Lockheed Martin wasting its time in trying to sell obsolete F-21 to IAF
The Lockheed Martin F-21 may be a multi-role fighter jet, in which, India is just not interested.
Though an obsolete aircraft as far as IAF is concerned, It is still being fielded as a contender in the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program. Lockheed Martin feels that somehow India can be pressurized to buy this obsolete fighter.
The F-21 touted as an advanced version of F16 is supposed to be having advanced technologies such as next-generation avionics, sensor fusion, and a high-tech pilot interface, making it more advanced than other fourth-generation jets.
Some analysts say it is only a step behind the fifth-generation F-22 Raptor….whatever it may be, IAF is just not interested in this jet, whose F16 version is in the Pakistani inventory.
Americans say that the jet has a Triple Missile Launcher Adapters (TMLAs) to provide a significant boost to its combat capabilities. TMLA allows the F-21 to carry 40% more air-to-air missiles compared to previous F-16 designs.
This increased firepower enables the F-21 to engage multiple targets simultaneously and enhances its overall lethality in air-to-air combat.
The TMLA works in conjunction with the Universal Aircraft Rocket/Missile Launcher (UARML) to provide adjustable intermixable missile/rocket loads that can be used by current and future fixed and rotary wing aircraft.
The triple launcher adapter (TLA) is designed to accommodate three different types, styles, and sizes of rockets or missiles at one time.
The F-21’s advanced radar system provides long-range detection and tracking capabilities, enabling pilots to identify and engage targets from a safe distance.
The F-21 has electronic warfare systems to detect, disrupt, and deceive enemy radar and communication networks, providing an advantage in electronic countermeasures.
The Long-range IRST (infrared search and track) gives the pilot “one shoot – one kill” accuracy.
Lockheed Martin proposes to build the F-21 in India in partnership with TATA, which aligns with the Indian government’s “Make in India” policy.
This includes technology transfer and local production of key components, which would reduce India’s reliance on foreign suppliers and boost its aerospace industry.
The program could generate tens of thousands of highly skilled jobs through the expansion of India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing network.
Well why don’t they offer this so called advanced fighter to South Korea or Taiwan or the Philippines!!!!
The Tejas Mk1A fighters jets are way over the F21, no matter what Lockheed claims. Soon the Tejas Mk2 a world beater in its class too will be joining in.
So USA should be just happy in supplying the required engines for Mk1A in time …period.
