Michael Kelley, vice president, India, Lockheed Martin aeronautics strategy and business development, and Brett Medlin, the F-21 India campaign lead, are in the country to hold talks with government and IAF officials on the multibillion-dollar deal. This comes against the backdrop of India planning to procure 114 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) for the air force. Once an MRO facility is built in India the aircraft need not be taken to the US or other countries where Lockheed has an established MRO unit, according to analysts. “It is, however, unclear if this means that engine overhaul will be done at the Indian facility, considering that Lockheed does not manufacture engines. Another point is that if the F-21 is only offered to India, as Lockheed has said, I am not sure of the economics of the MRO proposal.

Source: Mint August 11, 2021 15:05 UTC