DEFENCE
DEFENCE
ARMAMENTS
The USA is trying to persuade India to acquire the “Hybrid” F-21 fighter jet, which shares, among others, similar capabilities with both the F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor.
The proposal stipulates the supply of 114 multi-role fighter jets – MMRCA contract – to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Lockheed Martin’s F-21 competes with the Boeing F-18, the Swedish SAAB Gripen, the French Dassault Rafale, the European Eurofighter Typhoon, and the Russian MiG-35.
Lockheed Martin looks forward to an agreement with the IAF for the development of this fighter jet and on that ground, it is open to setting up a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in India. In fact, Lockheed Martin and the Indian business conglomerate, Tata Group, are already in collaboration to locally manufacture the F-21. The company had earlier promised that in case it got the contract, it would shift its production line to India and will not sell the F-21s to any other country.
Also read: Lockheed Martin | The Greek F-16V will be the most advanced F-16 in Europe – Infographics
In this context, Michael Kelley, Vice President of Lockheed Martin India, and Brett Medlin, lead of the F-21 India campaign, will hold talks with both the Indian government and IAF officials on this multibillion-dollar deal.
According to analysts, the F-21 design is similar to that of the F-16 Block 70 fighter jet. About half of the F-21 and F-16 supply chains are common to those of the F-22 Raptors and F-35. The factors that distinguish the F-21 are its airframe, its weapons capability, engine matrix, and availability of engine options.
Experts point out that, for example, the service life airframe in F-21 is about 12,000 hours compared to 8,000 hours of the F-16 Block 70, while there is an additional 40% weapons carrying capability in the F-21 compared to the F-16 Block 70. Finally, the electronic warfare system will be customized for Indian needs.
That’s why the F-21s have been described as the most advanced variant of the F-16 ever built, as it incorporates futuristic avionics from both the F-35 Lightning II and the F-22 Raptor. Apart from the traditional boom-delivered refueling facility, the F-21 jets are also equipped with an extendable hose-and-drogue refueling probe.
To differentiate the increased performance and capabilities, it was redesignated as “F-21”, as a specialized offering to India.
Kurt Knust, F-21 Programme Director, @LockheedMartin Aeronautics, explains why the #F21 will truly be a game-changer for the @IAF_MCC and India.#DefExpo2020 #DefExpoLucknow #ForIndiaFromIndia @DefExpoIndia @rajnathsingh @DefenceMinIndia @ProDefLko @DRDO_India @SIDMIndia pic.twitter.com/Ok8gQQsmFa
— Lockheed Martin India (@LMIndiaNews) February 9, 2020
With regard to the F-21 meeting the requirements of the IAF, which has already acquired 36 Rafale aircraft from France and set aside 480,000,000 Indian rupees (about $130 billion) for the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for manufacturing 83 LCA Tejas, Lockheed Martin spokesman said that the F-21 will complement the Tejas as well as Rafale jets in terms of their operational capabilities.
With information from: The Eurasian Times, defenceredefined.com.cy
Also read: Rafale – A Force Multiplier for HAF and the Integrated Defence Doctrine | Infographics
ARMAMENTS
NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION
EUROSATORY 2024 | Missile Artillery Solutions from MBDA
With such a large number of interested attendees at MBDA’s pavilion at the Eurosatory 2024 Defence exhibition, the stand reminded of an…
KNDS | Showcases full range of LEOPARD battle tanks at EUROSATORY
KNDS continues to expand its technological advantage in the field of main battle tank development, as we have witnessed at the Defence and…
THEON SENSORS | Distinguishing appearance at EUROSATORY 2024 with new range of products
THEON SENSORS attended the International Defence and Security Exhibition EUROSATORY 2024 as an ambassador of Greek innovation…
EUROSATORY 2024 | Missile Artillery Solutions from MBDA
With such a large number of interested attendees at MBDA’s pavilion at the Eurosatory 2024 Defence exhibition, the stand reminded of an…
KNDS | Showcases full range of LEOPARD battle tanks at EUROSATORY
KNDS continues to expand its technological advantage in the field of main battle tank development, as we have witnessed at the Defence and…
THEON SENSORS | Distinguishing appearance at EUROSATORY 2024 with new range of products
THEON SENSORS attended the International Defence and Security Exhibition EUROSATORY 2024 as an ambassador of Greek innovation…
Ministry of Defence | Organization of Hellenic EDF Info Day
A Conference entitled “EDF Info Day” is organized in the Amphitheater of the National Gallery on Tuesday, July 9 from 09:00 to 17:00.
ALTUS LSA | Participates in EUROSATORY 2024 with KERVEROS in the foreground
The participation of ALTUS LSA in EUROSATORY 2024 is among the Greek participations of operational significance.
Freddy Beleris | Ιn jail until October
The elected mayor of Heimarra and Member of the European Parliament of New Democracy will remain in prison until October…