LCA Tejas MK2, AMCA May Soon Get Lockheed Martin’s Technical Expertise As It Seeks To Work With India

While pitching its India-specific F-21 for the multi-billion dollar multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) competition, American defence manufacturing giant Lockheed Martin is now willing to offer its technical expertise to boost the production of the Tejas Mk-II Light Combat Aircraft, reports Defence News.

"The F-21 is very complementary to the Tejas. We’ve also extended our support, in any way possible, to the Government of India on the LCA,” said

“With the F-21, we’re offering participation in global production, and the global demand to be fulfilled from India through a long-term partnership,” Vivek Lall, Vice-President Aeronautics Strategy and Business Development, Lockheed Martin said in an interview with SP Aviation.

He added that Lockheed Martin is the only company with operational fifth generation platforms and that the company is seeking to bring these technologies into a robust Make in India programme.

The Lockheed Martin has partnered with India’s Tata for the strategic F-21 fighter programme. Both the companies have two joint ventures which are manufacturing components for the various aircraft of the US defence manufacturing giant.

While answering a query on whether Indian Air Force’s commitment to the LCA could kill market for foreign single engine aircraft, Lall said that the F-21 has capabilities which differ from that of the LCA. “The F-21 is very complementary to the Tejas. We’ve also extended our support, in any way possible, to the Government of India on the LCA,” added Lall.

"We have the best Make in India offer on the table. We have the most robust package,” he said.

On the question of whether there was a potential for co-operation on the LCA MK2, Lall said, “Absolutely. We’re willing to work with the Government of India whether it’s the LCA Mk-II or AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft),”