Latest news with #F-21
Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Dassault Aviation, Lockheed Martin shares remain in focus as India eyes more fighter jets amid border threats
Amid persistent tensions with neighbours like Pakistan and China, India looks to induct new multirole fighter jets over the next few years to enhance its combat capabilities. This brings back the focus on companies like Dassault Aviation, which manufactures Rafale aircraft that are already part of the Indian Air Force (IAF), and Lockheed Martin, which produces F-16 fighter jets. American defence company Lockheed Martin is trying to sell its F-21, an India-specific variant of its widely used F-16 fighter, which will be a 4.5 generation aircraft made in India with a local partner. Lockheed builds F-16 wings at the company's joint production facility with the Tata Group in Hyderabad and has plans to use the facility for F-21 Other global contenders vying for the MRFA contract are the US's Boeing, Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), Sweden's Saab AB and Germany's Eurofighter. According to an ANI report, dated March 11, the Indian Air Force is looking to start the induction of these planes in the next four to five years through a fast-tracked global tender, with a high-level committee having accepted the need for getting new multirole fighter aircraft (MRFA). Defence sources told ANI that the induction of 114 multirole fighter jets would help the Indian Air Force to maintain its squadron strength in the next 10 years, along with the ingenious fighter jets. Currently, India is looking to add 114 multirole fighter aircrafts to its fleet. This project takes on critical importance for the Indian Air Force, whose operational strength has dwindled to 31 fighter squadrons — well below the sanctioned strength of 42. This shortfall comes at a time when China is rapidly expanding and modernising its air force, posing a growing strategic challenge in the region. The urgency is further underscored by recent events such as Operation Sindoor and the latest flare-up with Pakistan, where the use of drones, missiles, and combat aircraft played a central role, highlighting the need for a well-equipped IAF. Shares of Lockheed Martin have risen over 3.5% in the last one year to $482.21. The company, which also produces F-16 jets that are priced by Pakistan, has faced significant volatility, with the stock offering zero returns in May as the India-Pakistan conflict took centre stage. As India thwarted all attempts from Pakistan's military forces, F-16 fighter maker's stock has been on the back foot. At the same time, Dassault Aviation shares have surged 64% in the last one year. In May, the stock extended its monthly winning run to eight. Even as the month was marked by high volatility, the stock eked out 0.5% gains. Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
India.com
4 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Bad news for Pakistan, China as after Rafale, India to acquire this deadly fighter jet; not US' F-35, Russian Su-F57, the aircraft is…, its capable of…
Lockheed Martin has offered to sell the F-21 4.5 gen fighter jet to India. (File) Amid questions over the performance of French-made Rafale fighter jets in the recent India-Pakistan conflict during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force (IAF), which has already expressed concerns over its dwindling operational fleet, and has mulling to acquire another fleet of next-gen fighter jets, either the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-57, or the US-built F-35, both 5th-generation stealth fighters. However, recently, US arms manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, the maker of American F series fighter jets, has put another option on the table for India, The arms maker has proposed to sell the F-21 fighter jet, instead of its newer sibling F-35 to India, with CEO Jim Taiclet announcing that Lockheed Martin was willing to build 4.5th generation fighter aircraft in India in collaboration with the Tata Group under the 'Make in India' initiative. F-21 vs F-35 — Which is 'better'? According to defence experts, the F-21 is considered an upgraded, advanced version of Lockheed Martin's F-16 fighter jet, and is equipped with an AESA radar, better cockpit, and onboard mission computer. The F-21 fighter jet is a multirole 4.5th generation fighter capable of carrying out wide-range of missions such as air-to-air and air-to-ground strikes. Lockheed Martin has said the F-21 will be tailored to IAF's needs and requirements, and changes will be made as requested. The F-21 aircraft is likely to cost around $100 (about Rs 850 crore) per jet. Lockheed Martin to build F-21 in India Notably, US Donald Trump had earlier offered to sell the F-35A stealth fighter to India, which is a 5th generation fighter jet featuring stealth technology, advanced sensors and data sharing tech, and is priced at around $110-150 million apiece, depending upon enhancements and additional agreements like pilot training, etc. India has already purchased two squadrons of 4.5 gen Rafale fighters from French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation. While the United States was previously hesitant in selling its premier F-35 fighter to tier-2 allies like India and Saudi Arabia, fearing that Washington's rivals, China and Russia, might find a way to get their hands on the technology, but the US strategy has evolved since Moscow and Beijing inked deals to sell their 5th-gen fighters– Su-57 and J-20– to other countries. Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet said India is 'not ready' for the F-35, and instead offered to sell the 4.5 gen F-21, which he said will be built in India.
News18
4 days ago
- Business
- News18
F-21 Takes The Spotlight As India Explores Its Next Big Fighter Jet Buy
Last Updated: Lockheed Martin is ready to produce the F-21 in India, tailored for India's needs, and can be made locally with Tata Group under the Make in India initiative, boosting industries The Indian Air Force (IAF) is exploring options to enhance its fighter jet fleet, with several global contenders in the fray. India is considering proposals from Russia, France, and the United States. Russia has offered its fifth-generation Sukhoi-57, while the US has pitched the F-35. India has already procured two squadrons of Rafale fighter jets from France and has the option to purchase more. However, no deal has been finalised yet. The Rafale is a 4.5-generation aircraft and comes at a high cost. Additionally, there are limitations on India's control over the aircraft's technology, including potential issues with source codes and future upgrades. While Russia has offered the fifth-generation Sukhoi-57, questions have been raised about its performance. Similarly, the American F-35, while advanced, is extremely expensive, and concerns have also been noted regarding its operational effectiveness. Amid ongoing evaluations of global fighter jet options, American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin has proposed the F-21 to India as a potential solution. Known for producing the F-35, Lockheed Martin is one of the world's leading fighter jet manufacturers, with its F-series jets in service across several countries—including the F-16s operated by Pakistan. The F-21 is a specially designed variant based on the F-16 platform. Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet has stated that India can consider purchasing the F-21 instead of the F-35. The F-21 has been specifically designed to meet India's defence requirements. Difference Between F-21 and F-35 According to a report in The Indian Express, it features modern AESA radar, an upgraded cockpit, and an improved mission computer. The aircraft is suitable for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Its price is around $100 million (approximately Rs 850 crore) per jet, though costs may rise with additional customisations based on India's requirements. On the other hand, the F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth jet with radar-evading capability, advanced sensors and cutting-edge data-sharing technology. According to Hindustan Times, its price ranges from $110 to $150 million per jet. Change In US Strategy The US was previously hesitant to offer the F-35 to tier-2 allies like India and Saudi Arabia. According to a report in The Times of India, this reluctance stemmed from concerns that its sensitive technology could potentially fall into the hands of countries like China or Russia. Additionally, there is an agreement with Israel ensuring it receives the most advanced weapons in the Middle East to maintain its military edge. However, America's strategy is now shifting, as stealth jets like Russia's Su-57 and China's J-20 are being offered to other countries. Opportunity For India Lockheed Martin's CEO reportedly said that India is not fully ready for the F-35 yet, so it can opt to buy the F-21. A report in The Hindu stated that Lockheed Martin is ready to produce the F-21 in India, which will benefit Indian industries. The F-21 may be an economical option to replace the Indian Air Force's ageing MiG-21 and MiG-27 jets. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: June 04, 2025, 13:14 IST
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lockheed Secures Contract for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Jet Program
Lockheed Martin Corporation's LMT Aeronautics business segment recently clinched a modification contract to support the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft program. The award has been provided by the Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD. Valued at nearly $28 million, the contract is expected to be completed by December 2028. Per the terms of the deal, Lockheed will provide program management support for special test and tooling equipment, aircraft modifications and flight test instrumentation to aid the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter contract will serve the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Foreign Military Sales customers and non-Department of Defense participants. The work related to this deal will be executed in Fort Worth, TX. Aerial security, a critical component of national defense, has seen an increased emphasis on purchasing technologically advanced fighter jets with improved stealth capabilities, such as Lockheed Martin's the F-35's cutting-edge sensors and communication technologies enable it to operate smoothly across multiple fields, including air, land, sea, space and ground-based features must have been driving strong demand for F-35 jets, which can be further gauged from the fact that since its launch, Lockheed has delivered 1,102 units as of Dec. 31, 2024. The latest contract win is another bright example of LMT's F-35 enjoying significant demand in the military aviation space. Rising military conflicts, terrorism and border disputes, along with rapid technological advancements in combat jets, have led nations to increase their defense spending on combat-proven jets, which constitute an integral part of their defense is likely to have prompted the Mordor Intelligence firm to forecast a compound annual growth rate of 4.7% for the military aviation market during the 2025-2030 strong market prospects drive growth opportunities for Lockheed, backed by its robust portfolio of combat jets, including F-21, F-2 Support Fighter, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor and F-35 jets. Other defense companies that are likely to reap the benefits of the military aviation market are listed below:Northrop Grumman Corp. NOC: It is a leading provider of manned and unmanned air systems. It builds some of the world's most advanced aircraft like the E-2C Hawkeye 2000, A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-5 Tiger Fighter Jet and a few has a long-term (three to five years) earnings growth rate of 4.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NOC's 2025 sales calls for an improvement of 3.2% from the prior-year reported Boeing Company BA: The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of the most advanced aircraft in the combat market, which includes F/A-18 Super Hornet, P-8, F-15EX, CH-47 Chinook, Chinook Block II, EA-18G Growler and a few boasts a long-term earnings growth rate of 17.4%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BA's 2025 sales suggests an improvement of 25.4% from the prior-year reported S.A. ERJ: The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of the most advanced aircraft in the combat market, which includes the A-29 Super Tucano, P600 AEW&C and the C-390 Millennium military multi-mission Zacks Consensus Estimate for ERJ's 2025 sales indicates growth of 17.8% from the prior-year estimated number. The company delivered an average earnings surprise of 127.28% in the last four quarters. In the past year, Lockheed shares have fallen 0.3% compared with the industry's decline of 4.8%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Lockheed currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report The Boeing Company (BA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Embraer-Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica (ERJ) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on click here. Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
India seen seeking global bids this year for 114 fighters
By Shivam Patel and Abhijith Ganapavaram BENGALURU, India (Reuters) - India is likely to seek bids this year for 114 multi-role fighters, two sources said, marking a major step in a process to bolster the country's stock of combat aircraft that has gone on for nearly two decades. The project is critical for the Indian Air Force, whose squadrons of mainly Russian and ex-Soviet aircraft have fallen to 31 from an approved strength of 42 at a time when rival China is expanding its air force rapidly. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. On the sidelines of the Aero India aerospace exhibition in Bengaluru, many of the companies who expressed interest in 2018 - when the government last sought planemakers for the project - said they were still in the hunt. "The Chinese are inducting modern fighters and Pakistanis are also getting some Chinese support whereas the Indian Air Force, in terms of combat squadrons, is deficient. There is no doubt about it," said Laxman Behera, a defence expert at government-funded Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. "We'll have to wait and watch." Potential competitors for the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) contract include U.S. defence firms Lockheed Martin and Boeing, Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), France's Dassault Aviation, Sweden's Saab AB, and Germany's Eurofighter. Companies are preparing supply chain blueprints, scouting for local partners, and ensuring cost effectiveness of their offerings, two executives and three sources told Reuters this week at the exhibition. Lockheed Martin is trying to sell its F-21, an India-specific variant of its widely used F-16 fighter, to New Delhi for the MRFA, which will be a 4.5 generation aircraft made in India with a local partner. Separately on Thursday, President Donald Trump said the U.S. would eventually sell the country fifth generation F-35 stealth fighters, although India's foreign secretary said afterward that no formal process had started yet. "We are encouraged by the recent announcement by President Trump to provide the F-35 to India. However, these are government-to-government decisions. We look forward to working closely with both governments on upcoming strategic procurements," a Lockheed Martin spokesperson said. RUSSIAN SUPPLIES Lockheed builds F-16 wings at the company's joint production facility with India's Tata Group in the southern city of Hyderabad and has plans to use the facility for F-21 jets. The IAF does not have U.S. fighter jets in its active fleet, but about 50 aircraft are powered by General Electric engines, with 170 more on order. UAC may have advanced jets on offer, including the stealthy Sukhoi Su-57, a Russian industry source said. The Su-57 is a generation ahead of the Su-35 and the MiG-35 that were previously on offer for the MRFA and has a more powerful engine, avionics, and radar systems. Russia has for decades been the main weapons supplier to India, the world's biggest arms importer. But New Delhi has been diversifying its imports since the war in Ukraine hobbled Moscow's ability to supply spares to India. Russia brought the Su-57 to Aero India and offered to make the aircraft in India in "informal" conversations with Indian defence officials, saying it could by built using local production lines for Su-30s. More than 10 years ago, Russia and India had planned to build the Su-57, then called the T-50, in India, but the effort was abandoned. Sweden's Saab, which also intends to compete for the MRFA project with its JAS-39 Gripen E jet, has a blueprint for an Indian supply chain, said Kent-Åke Molin, head of the Gripen India campaign. Molin said he was speaking to potential partners for the project and that Indian officials had given a "very positive" reception to the aircraft, adding that the jet was more cost-efficient than its peers. The MRFA project is a continuation of an uncompleted acquisition of 126 jets that started in 2007 but was withdrawn in 2015 after Modi's government decided to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault Aviation. The Rafale is also a potential competitor in the MRFA project. Dassault did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
