*Paromita Das
India has two nuclear-armed opponents on the verge of escalating a military conflict with it. Nobody knows when a minor skirmish will escalate into a full-fledged war. Furthermore, in an uncertain world where allies betray at the drop of a hat, being Atmanirbharta is the best option for a country like India. The world is witnessing India’s progress towards Atmnirbhar Bharat, and as a result, the world is recognizing India’s talent, forcing them to invest in Indian defense.India is aggressively pushing its indigenous defense industries to collaborate with world leaders and establish production, manufacturing, research, and development of equipment right here in the country.
The F-21 fighter jet was developed in India
Tata-Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL), a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and Lockheed Martin, is the front-runner in a race to manufacture 114 multi-role fighter aircraft for a $20 billion contract (MRFA). Surprisingly, these planes will be built on domestic production lines.
Lockheed Martin, an American defense contractor, has unveiled the F-21 multi-role fighter aircraft, which it plans to manufacture in India in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited.
Since 2010, Tata Sikorsky Aerospace Ltd (TSAL), a joint venture between Tata and Lockheed Martin, has worked together to make India the manufacturing base for S-92 helicopter cabin aero structures. TLMAL is also pushing hard for the manufacturing and production of the C-130, an advanced tactical airlifter, in India.
Lockheed Martin’s constant collaboration with Tata is in line with the Modi government’s policy of producing aircraft within Indian borders. The American defense company is attempting to manufacture the F-21 in India as part of the country’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Lockheed Martin will collaborate with Tata in India to produce its F-21 multi-role fighter aircraft
The F-21, a variant of the F-16, is designed specifically for India and will meet the needs of the Indian Air Force while also integrating the country into the world’s largest fighter aircraft ecosystem. “The F-21 is unique both inside and out,” said Dr.VivekLall, vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics’ Strategy and Business Development. “The new [F-21] designation demonstrates our commitment to providing the Indian Air Force with an advanced, scalable fighter aircraft that also provides unrivalled industrial opportunities and accelerates closer India-US cooperation on advanced technologies,” said Lall.
Lockheed Martin is the world’s largest defense contractor. The company’s total revenue in 2017 was $43.5 billion, with defense accounting for 92 percent of that. This is nearly double the amount spent by BAE Systems, the world’s second largest defense contractor. Lockheed Martin’s F-16 fighter jets are among the best in the world. The company is a major competitor in the Indian Air Force’s 114 multi-role aircraft deal. Boeing F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornets from the United States, Gripen-E from Sweden, MiG-35 from Russia, Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale from France, and Sukhoi-35 from Russia are among its competitors (Russia).
Previously, Lockheed Martin, an American defense company, announced that Tata Advanced Systems Limited in India would manufacture the F-16 aircraft’s wings. This would give the Prime Minister’s Make in India initiative a major boost. Last year, Lockheed Martin and TASL announced their intention to work together to manufacture the F-16 Block 70 in India if the Indian Air Force chooses the aircraft.
Advanced avionics, proven Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a modernised cockpit, advanced weapons, conformal fuel tanks, an automatic ground collision avoidance system, an advanced engine, and an industry-leading extended structural service life of 12,000 hours are among the features of the F-16 Block 70.
According to Lockheed Martin, if India chooses the F-16 as its fighter aircraft, it will benefit greatly. To support the Modi government’s Make in India initiative in the defense sector, the company will relocate its assembly line from the United States to India. “If India purchases the F-16, it will become the global manufacturing centre.” Choosing Lockheed’s warplane would “integrate India into a $165 billion global F-16 supply chain,” according to Lall. The F-16 is one of the world’s most popular combat aircraft. A total of 4,604 F-16s have been purchased by 28 countries around the world. There are 3,000 operational F-16s in 25 air forces, including the US Air Force.
In India, you can buy global brands
To fight a two-front war, Indian security experts estimate that we will need around 42 squadrons of combat aircraft. The Indian Air Force’s current struggle with the 18-squadron is a major source of concern. In this direction, India purchased 36 Rafale fighter aircraft from France in ready-to-fly condition on an urgent basis. Furthermore, in order to maintain squadron capacity, we are looking for indigenous options so that we do not have to rely on foreign countries for spears or aircraft in the future.
To influence Atmanirbharta’sdefense manufacturing and production policy. For the 114 MRFA, India is looking for foreign suppliers. These suppliers will collaborate with Indian defense companies to manufacture the aircraft in India, achieving the dual goals of self-reliance and industry growth. The world’s third-largest military budget
India is the world’s third-largest military spender, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), with a military budget of $76.6 billion for 2021. The budget for 2021 represents a significant increase of about 33% over the 2012 budget.
In addition, the defense budget for 2022-23 is estimated to be Rs 5,25,166crore. Around 27% of this massive sum, or Rs 1,44,304crore, is being spent on capital projects to expand capacity. The capital expenditure is used to purchase new weapons for the military, such as aircraft, guns, warships, and other military hardware.
India would be better prepared for a two-front war with China and Pakistan if it purchased 114 MMRCA. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat stated a few months ago that India should be prepared for a two-front war. The gradual integration of China and Pakistan may result in wars breaking out on two fronts with our northern and western neighbors. The development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the size of Chinese loans to Pakistan’s debt-ridden country indicate that Pakistan is on the verge of becoming a Chinese colony. So, for all intents and purposes, Pakistan’s interests will be China’s interests in the coming years.
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