Interview | William L. Blair, Vice President & Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin India

When do you expect the contract for MH-60R to be signed? Once signed, what will be the timelines for delivery?

We stand ready to support India and the United States for a government-to-government procurement of 24 MH-60R helicopters as part of the Multi Role Helicopter programme. We are confident the MH-60R ‘Romeo’ is the right aircraft for India’s Navy as it provides a vital capability for the navy in the Indo-Pacific region.

The MH-60R is the world’s most advanced, proven multi-mission maritime helicopter with unmatched multi-mission capabilities: Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)/Anti-Surface (ASuW); Special Operations/Search & Rescue (SAR); Utility/Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP); and Command and Control (C2). The aircraft’s fully integrated mission system builds complete situational awareness and actionable knowledge, enabling target engagement both close-in and over-the-horizon. In addition, an MH-60R acquisition allows the Indian Navy to benefit from the ongoing support provided for over 300 MH-60Rs in operation around the world today.

We request you to kindly refer your questions on exact timelines to the Indian Navy.

What has been the response of the IAF on F-21? To what extent is it different from the F-16 Block 70 that was being offered earlier? How will it be ‘Made in India’?

We are committed to strategic, long-term international defence partnerships with India and hope to strengthen and grow our relationship as part of an unprecedented F-21 fighter aircraft partnership for India, from India. The F-21 is the best solution to meet the Indian Air Force’s (IAF’s) needs given the platform’s enhanced capabilities, ‘Make in India’ industrial opportunities and cost effectiveness.

An F-21 partnership integrates the Indian aerospace and defence industry into the world’s largest and most advanced fighter aircraft ecosystem. The F-21 provides a landmark ‘Make in India’ win and is the only offering that provides a pathway to exclusive production with future exports. Our offer provides unmatched opportunities for Indian companies of all sizes, including Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), DPSUs and suppliers throughout India, to establish new business relationships with Lockheed Martin and other industry leaders in the United States and around the world. The choice of the F21 will accelerate India-US cooperation on advanced technologies, including but not limited to fighter aircraft.

The F-21 has been designed with the unique needs of the IAF in mind. The F-21 features numerous India-specific changes –inside and out –tailored to meet the IAF’s requirements. F-21 systems/capabilities include:

• Cockpit upgrades including a new Large Area Display (LAD)
• Advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) System, developed uniquely for India
• Triple Missile Launcher Adapters (TMLAs), enabling the F-21 to carry 40 per cent more air-to-air weapons
• Dorsal fairing for increased growth capacity and future indigenous systems integration
• Aerial refueling probe. The F-21 is the only fighter in the world with both probe/drogue and boom aerial refueling capability.

The F-21 delivers an advanced single-engine, multi-role fighter at the most optimal Life Cycle Cost for the IAF with the longest service life of any competitor – 12,000 flight hours. Simply put, the F-21 goes further, faster, and stays longer than the competition.

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How do you view the future of C-130J in India? Both the Indian Coast Guard and National Disaster Management Authority were interested in acquiring it. Has any conversation begun?

The C-130J represents a strong legacy of partnership between India and the United States. I