Aero India: Lockheed relaunches the F-16V as the F-21 for India

February 21, 2019 Comments Off on Aero India: Lockheed relaunches the F-16V as the F-21 for India 495 Views

Lockheed Martin has rechristened the F-16V Block 70 as the F-21 multi-role fighter for the second MMCRA procurement.

The aircraft which would be produced in India by Lockheed and Tata Advanced Systems would have a number of unique features compared to existing F-16s like, extendable hose-and-drogue refuelling probe, a large display in the cockpit.

Dr. Vivek Lall, vice president of Strategy and Business Development, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
“The F-21 is different, inside and out, The new [F-21] designation highlights our commitment to delivering an advanced, scalable fighter aircraft to the Indian Air Force that also provides unrivaled industrial opportunities and accelerates closer India-US cooperation on advanced technologies.”

The Indian air force is looking to add 110 fighters to its fleet for which Boeing is bidding the F/A-18 Super Hornet, Dassault with the Rafale, Eurofighter with the Typhoon and Saab with the Gripen. The Russian MiG-35 will also submit a bid.

About Vedant Agarwal

A frequent flyer for both work and pleasure - Vedant has held elite status on many of the major alliances and airlines. Also an avid aviation photographer, his pictures have been published in and on the covers of many international publications.

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