MRFA: Lockheed offers F-21 with unmatched weapon integration capabilities to IAF, to be built by TATA in Hyderabad facility

Source : Indian Defence Updates (IDU)

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Lockheed Martin has said that it is offering unmatched weapon integration capabilities to India with the F-21 that could clear the path for integration of all India-made weapon systems on the aircraft without any restrictions from Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed Martin is shifting its focus on India as the production of 114 F-21 fighters with TATA Advanced Systems under MRFA tender could extend the lifeline of the legacy jet by another 40 years.

For our readers kind information, we want to tell you that TATA Lockheed Martin Aerospace joint venture has already started manufacturing F-16 wings and center fuselage much before and they are manufacturing it in numbers quite fast which may attract IAF’s attention towards the manufacturing capacity of the facility in Hyderabad.

Although IAF has clearly stated that it doesn’t want too many types of fighters in its arsenal for logistical nightmare, but the manufacturing speed, manufacturing set up and quality of TATA Lockheed Martin Aerospace may give them some sort of advantage in MRFA as stated by various Defence Experts.