India made F-16V will be for export markets
Lockheed Martin is confident of setting up F-16V production in India, citing Indian Air Force’s 100 jet requirement and strong potential for exports.
“If selected, we expect the production of F-16V from India to go on for decades. There are opportunities out there for delivering F-16,” said Joe LaMarca, vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, at the Singapore Airshow on 7 Feb 2018.
If Lockheed Martin sets up production in India, any future orders from outside will be met through those jets made in India, he assured.
The making of F-16V in India for export has been the American defence manufacturer’s offer under its negotiations to relocate the plant to India.
“We are still confident with the F-16V (offer to make in India). It is the right choice and provides most capability for India and for future opportunities (exports),” said LaMarca.
The F-16V is upgraded to 12,000-hour airplane lifespan, an improvement from 6,000-8,000-hour in the past jet of the same model, explained LaMarca.
It can also be refurbished under service life extension programme. fii-news.com
