In a major boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, American security and aerospace giant Lockheed Martin announced that the wings of its F-16 fighter jets will be produced in India.
Maryland-based Lockheed Martin has entered into an agreement with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) for the project.
Lockheed officials insisted that the planned F-16 wing production to India was not contingent on India selecting the F-16 for the Indian Air Force. Lockheed has offered to move its entire F-16 manufacturing base to India. India is yet to make a decision on it. Producing F-16 wings in India will support the Centre’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, company officials said. “Building F-16 wings in India is a natural next step that builds on our... partnerships with Tata on the C-130J [Super Hercules airlifter] and S-92 [helicopter],” said Vivek Lall, VP, strategy and business development, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.