Is the US offering the F-22 Raptor Fighter Jet to India under the Make in India program? The F-22 Raptor Fighter Jet is a single-seat, single-engine, all-weather, fifth-generation, stealth, multi-role fighter considered one of the best in the world. Its combination of stealth and aerodynamic performance gives the fighter jet unmatched fighting capabilities.
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According to the Indian Economic Times, Lockheed Martin is ready to provide India with the latest fighter jet expertise, including the F-35 and F-22 Raptor, which includes a target tracking apparatus. The US is offering the F-16 fighter jets to the Indian Air Force, which would be the most advanced fighter jet of the F-16 series. The variant being pitched to India is the F-16 Block 70.
According to Vivek Lall, VP of Strategy and Business Development at Lockheed Martin, the company will offer fighter jets outfitted with the sophisticated radar incorporated on its fifth-generation combat jet, the F-35, as well as a helmet-mounted tracking system and a new radio data link system.
The US proposal also comes with an attractive offer to transfer the lone production line for F-16s from Fort Worth, Texas, to India. The F-16s face tough challenges from other bidders like Saab Gripen and Boeing.
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“There are a lot of technologies that come into the F-16 from F-35 and F-22, including the latest radar,” and it is a contemporary, state-of-the-art platform,” claimed Lall. Getting advanced fighter jets is critical for Indian PM Narendra Modi’s vision as the nation faces multiple threats from neighboring Pakistan and China. As part of that plan, India invited bidders from global manufacturers for 110 fighter jets, a deal which is estimated to be worth at least $15 billion.
Similar Deal for Japan?
Lockheed Martin is in discussions with Japan to develop a new fighter jet that will amalgamate the kinematic capabilities of the F-22 Raptor with the advanced sensor and communications capabilities of the F-35 Lightning II.
Reuters has reported that Lockheed Martin has discussed the proposal with Japanese officials and, subject to approval by the US Government, is formulating a formal proposal in response to a Japanese RFI (request for information)
“We look forward to exploring possibilities for replacement of fighter jets for Japan in collaboration with both the Japanese and U.S. governments,” a Lockheed Martin spokeswoman said.
