Meet the F-21!

There is absolutely no proof any jets crossed the border other than a single MiG-21. Depending on authenticity of a dubious video, maybe an Su-30MKI. Otherwise any exchange that occurred last February was likely from their own sides of the border.

F-21 offers Rafale-lite for considerable savings. The premium for Rafale makes sense if you cannot afford numbers under LockMart's plan, but otherwise they have the caveat of building it. The engine of the F-21 surely is a leap forward from AL-31 that they build indigenous at the moment. But even this version they license build is considerably behind the curve of current Al-31 designs and retains known flaws.

I think the IAF is getting drunk on these luxuries. HAL may never recover.

Lockheed is claiming that the F-21 will be unique to India: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/lockhee ... in-2037095

In an interview to PTI, Mr Lall said the new combat jet is designed to operate across over 60 air force stations in India, and its key aspects include superior engine matrix, electronic warfare system and weapons carrying capacity.

"We will not sell this platform and the configuration to anyone in the world. It is a significant commitment by Lockheed Martin and it shows importance of India and importance of unique requirement India has," he said.

Mr Lall said if Lockheed wins the contract, it will not only set up a state-of-the-art F-21 manufacturing facility along with the Tata Group, but will also help India create an ecosystem for overall growth of the country's defence manufacturing.

On observation that the F-21 is similar to Lockheed's F 16 Block 70 combat jet, he said such a view is unfair as there have been significantly differences between the two platforms.

F-21 is different in terms of various aspects including its air frame, weapons capability, engine matrix and availability of engine options.

"As for example, you are now looking at 12,000 hours of service life air frame in F-21 versus 8,000 hours previously (F 16 Block 70). The additional 40 per cent weapons carrying capability is new in F-21 which was not there in F 16 Block 70. The electronic warfare system is uniquely developed for India," he added.

"Looking from a distance may make it look similar to F 16 Block 70, but it is different," he added.

Besides having a traditional boom-delivered refueling facility, the F 21 also has an extendable hose-and-drogue refuelling probe.

"This is the only fighter in the world which has both the capabilities," said Mr Lall, adding the cockpit has a new large area display.

"It is a modern cockpit and has a significant piece of ability to synthesise information. These are unique capabilities that we are not offering to other countries in the world," said the Lockheed executive.

https://www-ndtv-com.cdn.ampproject.org ... ed-martin-


F-21 Jets Won't Be Sold To Others If India Decides To Buy It: Lockheed






F-21 Jets Won't Be Sold To Others If India Decides To Buy It: Lockheed
All India Press Trust of India
Vivek Lall, vice president of Strategy and Business Development for Lockheed Martin, says if F-21 wins the contract, then India will be integrated into the company's global fighter ecosystem, which is a USD 165 billion dollar market.
Updated : May 13, 2019 22:17 IST
Lockheed unveiled the F-21 during the Aero India show in Bengaluru in February (File Photo)

New Delhi: US aerospace giant Lockheed Martin says it will not sell its newly rolled out F-21 fighter jet to any other country if India places an order for 114 planes, in an offer aimed at pitching itself ahead of its US, European and Russian competitors for the mega deal.
Vivek Lall, vice president of Strategy and Business Development for Lockheed Martin, says if F-21 wins the contract, then India will be integrated into the company's global fighter ecosystem, which is a USD 165 billion dollar market.

In an interview to PTI, Mr Lall said the new combat jet is designed to operate across over 60 air force stations in India, and its key aspects include superior engine matrix, electronic warfare system and weapons carrying capacity.

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