Amritsar, NFA Post: US defence major Lockheed Martin has signed an agreement with Bengaluru-based state-run aerospace and defence company Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to explore industrial collaboration in India’s aerospace sector.
“Lockheed Martin is strengthening and growing its relationships with Indian industry to generate jobs and economic benefits in support of “Make in India”, “Self-Reliant India”, and “Start-Up India” initiatives, as well as in support of India’s air power mission,” the company said in a statement.
Lockheed Martin is one of the key contenders in the race for a mega contract to supply 114 fighter jets to Indian Air Force.
Last year, Lockheed Martin had exclusively offered its F-21 combat jet to India with a “Make in India” proposition. The Indian Air Force, had in April 2019, issued an RFI (Request for Information) or initial tender to acquire 114 jets at a cost of around $18 billion, which is billed as one of the world’s biggest military procurement in recent years.
“We are committed to continuing to integrate Indian industry into our aerospace and defence ecosystem and demonstrating Lockheed Martin’s commitment to India now and in the decades to come,” said J.R. McDonald, vice president of Business Development – Integrated Fighter Group of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director R Madhavan said that his organisation was looking forward to working with Lockheed Martin in exploring opportunities in the domestic and international markets.
