Lockheed Martin Corp. is in talks with India to transfer the manufacturing base for the F-16 fighter jet to the country, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.
Nc Bipindra and Iain Marlow write the deal could authorize India along with the U.S. to approve which countries may buy an F-16 and related components.
“Some components may be produced only in India,” Abhay Paranjape, a director of business development in Lockheed’s aeronautics segment, told Bloomberg.
“We are looking at establishing a complete manufacturing base ecosystem,” Paranjape added.
The proposal is part of Lockheed’s effort to compete for a potential order for 100 fighter jets from India under a $150 billion effort to modernize the country’s armed forces, according to the report.