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“We want mutually beneficial industrial partnerships” Richard T. Kirkland, President, Lockheed Martin for South Asia and combat-proven F-16 Fighting Falcon in the Medium Multirole Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition. In competing for this program, Lockheed Martin’s approach is to provide an advanced configuration that is tailored to all the Indian MMRCA requirements at the lowest possible procurement and operating costs. A chief aspect of the F-16 program has been Lockheed Martin’s success in developing tailored versions to meet the special requirements of particular customers. Lockheed Martin views F-16 production as a total package that includes a robust, versatile, and proven combat aircraft. Those attributes are combined with affordability and mutually-beneficial industrial partnerships.
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SP’s: What are your plans for providing offsets in case of fructification of contracts? LM: Lockheed Martin believes in partnerships as a cornerstone of its foundation and engages in more than 300 partnerships with businesses around the globe. Assembly lines producing the F-16 have been established successfully in five countries and more than 20 nations participate in co-production of components for the F-16. Involvement in F-16 co-production has served as a major catalyst to create and energize the aerospace industry in many of these countries, and Lockheed Martin’s proven ability to provide transfer of technology is without
SP’s: Do you see the success of the C130J deal improving the chances of winning the MMRCA contract? LM: As a policy we evaluate all our programs individually and do not speculate on the effect of one on the other. •
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SP’s: Is there a likelihood of the F-22 Raptor being offered to India at a future date or has the US Congressional ban negated the possibility? LM: That is a government policy question that should be directed to the U.S. Government The response to the RFP for MMRCA is to be submitted by March 3. Is Lockheed Martin on schedule or are you contemplating filing for extension of deadline? Lockheed Martin intends to file its RFP on schedule. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is one of the strongest contenders for India’s MMRCA deal. As a single engine aircraft developed in the 1970s, do you think it is at a disadvantage visà-vis competitors with two engines belonging to the Fourth Generation? The F-16 is the cost-effective solution for India. More importantly than its value proposition, India’s F-16 configuration will be tailored to meet India’s specific MMRCA requirements, ensuring that the aircraft is mission capable for the unique needs of the Indian Air Force. No fighter currently available in the international marketplace can match the versatility of the F-16. More than 100 US, European, and Israeli weapons can be integrated in 5,000 different combinations, ensuring the most challenging mission plans are implemented successfully.
equal. In the case of India, Lockheed Martin understands the requirement for self-reliance in defense production and will work tirelessly in partnership with India to help achieve that vital goal. F-16 direct offset programs have taken several forms, including subcontracts for component manufacturing, the establishment of joint venture companies, and the co-production and licensed production of F-16 aircraft. Most offset programs include the transfer of relevant technology to participating countries, some of which initially had limited background in aerospace manufacturing.
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SP’s ShowNews
February 16, 2008
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