“This is only fighter in the world which has both the capabilities,” Lall said, adding that the jet has a unique India-specific electronic warfare suit.
“F 21 is being exclusively offered to India. It is a unique platform for India. It has several India-unique configurations,” he said.
In April last year, the IAF issued an RFI (request for information) or initial tender to acquire 114 jets at a cost of around USD 18 billion, which is billed as one of the world’s biggest military procurements in recent years.
The top contenders for the deal include Lockheed’s F-21, Boeing’s F/A-18, Dassault Aviation’s Rafale, the Eurofighter Typhoon, Russian aircraft MiG 35 and Saab’s Gripen.
Lall said the F-21 provides all the capabilities at 30-40 per cent less cost than a twin-engine aircraft.
The Lockheed executive said the F-21 has an advanced APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar which significantly enhances the jet’s ability to track and attack more targets with higher precision.
Defence and security ties between India and the US have been on an upswing in the last six years.
Bilateral defence trade touched USD 18 billion marks in 2019, reflecting growing defence cooperation between the two sides.
There are indications that the two sides may announce the further deepening of defence ties during Trump’s visit later this month.
Both sides have also been pushing for joint venture and collaboration between private sectors of the two countries in defence manufacturing.
In June 2016, the US designated India a “Major Defence Partner”, intending to elevate defence trade and technology sharing with India to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners.
from Indian Defence Research Wing https://ift.tt/37nzSWE
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