Meet the F-21!

The USAF is keeping the F-16 through 2044? As what, radar decoys?

As reserve/ANG sqns until the final F-35 goes off the production line in 2046 (last order 2044). btw SLEP is actually extending the F-16 service life until 2048. Its just a sign of how many squadrons that require replacement, the scale of the recapitalisation and how important the F-35 is to the USAF.

The recent CAG report on the rafale is illuminating. The reason why the F-16 was rejected in the 1st round was embargo risk. imho, inconsistent since the Tejas uses an American engine so the risks are already inherent in any project. The line shift to India reduces that risk. The re-designation is really to address the other issue that the F-16 is used by the Pakistanis. Now no one else uses the F-21.

The F-21 is the cheapest, most value for money option. It can provide a quick re-capitalisation with 2nd hand F-16s or newbuilds. It can move to the F-35 which presents the most mature and cost effective growth option. It continues to integrate new technologies developed including for the F-35. The AESA is fantastic. The EW is fantastic. The munitions are combat proven and cost-effective. The F-16s will fly with the USAF until 2044 at least, providing a continued supplier support base for the next 25 years or more. I think LM has done a good job repackaging the F-16.

However none of these matter if attitudes and mindsets in India on the part of the decision makers don't change. That and the likelihood that half the fleet will eventually crash after India's induction.

Well, said.......Honestly, I believe the odds are very good. That India will in fact acquire the F-21. (i.e. F-16 Blk 70)

Has anyone mentioned the fact F-21 has already been issued for the US DOD?

"Between 1985 and 1989, the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps leased 25 examples of the Kfir C.1, which were officially designated F-21A Lion and modified for use as unarmed adversaries: mock opponents in dissimilar air combat training (DACT)."

Ironically it was replaced by the F-16N...

No issue as the LM F-21 won't be used by the USAF. The designation in the USAF would be F-16.

No issue as the LM F-21 won't be used by the USAF. The designation in the USAF would be F-16.

If I'm not mistaken, USAF F-16's are (finally) getting an AESA. Is that all F-16's though, or just a select few??

And I'd second the suggestion they get the GE 132 engine. Dumb question though: If the F-35 is replacing the F-16, why fund the upgrades? Is it simply a case of us not being able to re-capitalize the force fast enough?

USAF F-16s potentially might be operating beyond 2048 (as per recent SLEP ) so better upgrade them with something even if just fricking laser beams. I don't expect to see any GE-132s though.

Why not? Every Viper pilot would drool to have that LAD. And I've always wished I had 8 AMRAAMs like an Eagle...

No Agile Falcon (F-2A) wing? That would be pretty nifty and visibly different. And maybe you call it F-2.1 (two dot one) at that point. The F-2A wing can carry significantly larger loads than F-16 on the pylons, too.

What radar will "F-21" have? Upgraded APG-83 or default version? I really doubt they will offer default one becuase that would be stupid move when Boeing offers F-18E/F with APG-79.

Will F-21 have RCS reduction?

If they apply have glass 5, then "yes" to RCS reduction.

Not beyond Have Glass I imagine.

AN/APG-83 Radar is what has been offered.

Called "Uniform HaveGlass" - supposed to be more maintenance friendly.

Whats the difference between Have Glass II and V ?

Why not? Every Viper pilot would drool to have that LAD. And I've always wished I had 8 AMRAAMs like an Eagle...

I understood that reference