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F-16 aircraft can be manufactured in India, says Lockheed Martin

Dawn.com Published February 18, 2016
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SINGAPORE: Lockheed Martin, a premier defence technologies company from the United States (US), on Thursday said it is ready start manufacturing F-16 fighter jets in India, in support of ‘Make in India’ initiative launched by the incumbent Narendra Modi government, reported The Times of India.

The defence company also supported the ongoing talks between the two countries for the setting up of Lockheed Martin’s manufacturing plant in India, one of the largest projects under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

"We are ready to manufacture F-16 aircraft in India and support the Make in India initiative," Phil Shaw, chief executive of Lockheed Martin India told reporters at the Singapore Airshow 2016.

Read: 'Disappointed' India summons US ambassador over sale of F-16s to Pakistan

The chief executive expressed strong interest in having the jets manufactured in India ‘soon’, but linked the timeframe of having an operational manufacturing plant to the ongoing government to government talks.

The manufacturing of F-16 aircraft in India will also be conditional to Indian government's contractual commitment to purchase the aircraft for its armed forces.

Lockheed Martin in 2011 had provided six C-130J Super Hercules transport to India, one of which crashed near the Indian city of Gwalior in March 2014. The deal was also the first major military contract between India and US in more than 40 years.

The company also maintains a strong presence in India, and employs more than 1,000 people. Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems have formed a joint venture company in India, Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures, for manufacturing of airframe components for the C-130J.

A 'disappointed' India had summoned United States envoy in New Delhi, Richard Verma, over Obama administration's decision to sell eight Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan, along with training, radar and other equipment, in a deal worth $699 million.

Read more: Pakistan 'surprised' over Indian reaction to US F-16 sale

The Obama administration had notified the Congress that it planned to sell eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan, with a State Department spokesman saying that US weapon sales to Pakistan contributed to the fight against terrorism and furthered Amer­ica’s foreign policy interests.

F-16 aircraft are operated by at least 26 countries across the world and manufacturing facilities for the aircraft exist in Netherlands, Belgium, Turkey, and South Korea, outside of the US.

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GHAZAL :
Feb 18, 2016 07:06pm
if Pakistan gets F-16 then do India -Lockheed Martin will go through.
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M.Saeed
Feb 18, 2016 07:08pm
Willing to make F-16s in India, provided India promises and ensures to the full satisfaction of the US administration that, it would never give its technology to Russians!
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Karachitee
Feb 18, 2016 07:09pm
So in future we will get F 16 from India :)
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Jayakumar
Feb 18, 2016 07:12pm
Hope they dont mean to manufacture in India & sell it to Pakistan !!!!!!
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Indian
Feb 18, 2016 07:12pm
its an obsolete aircraft no major power use it good for protests but not good to have in airforce .. rafael is better
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Risinglory
Feb 18, 2016 07:14pm
India will then turn from detractor to a supporter of sale of these to Pakistan :)
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Abdulla Hussain
Feb 18, 2016 07:14pm
Good step,
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Satt
Feb 18, 2016 07:16pm
I don't think India will 'go' the deal.India has different needs and also its important for India too that it should give time and space for its aerospace industry to grow which is very necessary.Let the injured stand on its feet give it time.
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Ambrish Kishan
Feb 18, 2016 07:20pm
@Karachitee yes what a way to go for indo-pak friendship. Looks both countries are so stupid ... I am loving it. So happy. What hardliners have to say on this.
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Ghaznavi
Feb 18, 2016 07:20pm
One more reason for not buying the eight F-16s from US. We should invest this money on next block of JF-17
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Ambrish Kishan
Feb 18, 2016 07:20pm
@Jayakumar awesome dude :)
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Bahubali
Feb 18, 2016 07:21pm
India should not go for F-16. Rafal is better choice.
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SyedChaudhryGangaDinKhan of UP
Feb 18, 2016 07:28pm
How come US never talks about F-15 and F-18? Its always F-16 for other nations. Am I missing something?
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Ali Shah
Feb 18, 2016 07:30pm
Haha, Lockheed Martin must be kidding. Why would India want to buy F-16s now? Its an old aircraft now that 4th generation aircrafts are lagging behind. The time is now for fifth generation aircraft and by the time this plant becomes operational a number of countries would have devoloped 5th generation aircraft. Also they have access to premier russian aircraft so why would they want to settle for the lower capability f-16s? Now if it was the f-15 it would have been another matter.
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truth
Feb 18, 2016 07:31pm
"Necessity is the mother of invention" we do Not need your f16 we will find our own way. F 16 is almost equal to su 30 that we already have in IAF. We want to live peacefully so please leave us alone( both india and pak).some short of peace talk has been started don't try to ruin it and plz don't start arm race again.
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kkk
Feb 18, 2016 07:33pm
as i said earlier two cat are fighting and business man monkey make most Of it. India should Invest all this money for project for aam admi Education health road power water employment etc.these f16 are useless.
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Singh
Feb 18, 2016 07:34pm
An old gen aircraft not suitable for India's needs but can be good for Indian manufacturing and exporting to other nations.. As far as India is concerned they should go ahead with recently announced 5th Gen project with Russia.
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nfp fan
Feb 18, 2016 07:39pm
its next to impossible that India will accept the offer.
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ikram
Feb 18, 2016 07:39pm
What are friends for!
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Mian
Feb 18, 2016 07:39pm
Why does it reminds me of Shakespeare's play 'Merchant of Venice?'
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Dve
Feb 18, 2016 07:39pm
@M.Saeed F-16s is not exclusives. Russias have much much better then this.
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Ghaznavi
Feb 18, 2016 07:39pm
@Singh "An old gen aircraft not suitable for India's needs" Very true. India's needs are better living standards for its masses including better hygiene facilities and F-16 cannot provide either.
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Brijesh
Feb 18, 2016 07:40pm
A great lesson for all of us. The US sells Pakistan F16s and sells the assembly line for the F 16 to India. It is India and Pakistan that are being made fools of. Sad day indeed. I hope that Pakistan and India realize their follies, resolve issues and learn to live like good neighbors. WE cannot afford this stalemate any more.
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Vivek (Indore)
Feb 18, 2016 07:40pm
So that was the strategy behind F-16 deals.
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LOVE PAKISTAN
Feb 18, 2016 07:41pm
Most likely the quality of F-16 will go down as it happens with every other product. It would then be better to use an original Chinese product.
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Dve
Feb 18, 2016 07:41pm
@Jayakumar haha what will Pakistanani government say to its people? we are buying plains manufactured in India. It'll promote friendship though.
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Dve
Feb 18, 2016 07:44pm
@SyedChaudhryGangaDinKhan of UP F16s is very basic and obsolete technology so Americans gave them to friendly nations.
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Gautham
Feb 18, 2016 07:45pm
@Indian : you said "its an obsolete aircraft no major power use it good for protests but not good to have in airforce .. rafael is better" But who said in this age and time, taking each other's territories by way of war is modern thinking? It's okay to have obsolete weapons for obsolete thinking.
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Khwarezmi
Feb 18, 2016 07:48pm
"Gora Sahib" is playing his old game of devide and rule.
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Naxalite
Feb 18, 2016 07:49pm
Will this counter China? I think not! You need to improve infrastructure and living standard if you want to counter China.
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MSD
Feb 18, 2016 07:52pm
A lot of positive comments from Indians!
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Desi Dimag
Feb 18, 2016 07:54pm
Set back for Make in India scheme critics. Great going India,
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Azeez
Feb 18, 2016 07:54pm
@truth : F-16 is not equal to SU-30, F-16 is a 3rd generation aircraft and SU -30 MKI is a 4th generation aircraft.
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Mustafa R.
Feb 18, 2016 07:57pm
Good news, looks like Pakistan got the last F-16's that can actually fly.
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Zain
Feb 18, 2016 07:58pm
My dear fellow citizens, JF-17 was made to replace mirages and f-7s. JF-17 is not even close to F-16 in regards of avionics, data link, BVR, laser pods, and so much more. Again I repeat JF-17 is being made to replace the old again air fleet.. F 16 is still the best jet fighter for its money. It's proven. Lastly F-16 has been mastered by Pakistanis due to long term usage and utilization. F-16 is the answer. We should procure as many as we can in Obama administration.
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Ali
Feb 18, 2016 08:00pm
Lockheed Martin's comment it can set up factory to manufacture F-16 in India will fuel arms race in the sub-continent. This will seriously threaten peace in the region. India and Pakistan are both "nuclear-weapon" states, but are most irresponsible. They have been spending billions for weapons, when their masses live in poverty. India with massive conventional weapon advantage threatened Cold Start Doctrine war with Pakistan. This is insanity as it will quickly erupt into nuclear conflagration killing hundreds of millions of people, annihilating both countries. The United States as the free world's leader has enormous responsibility, not to add fuel to world's nuclear flashpoint. President Obama should block any move by arms manufacturers interested in profits, which threatens peace and risks nuclear Armageddon.
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Ahmad
Feb 18, 2016 08:01pm
Willing to manufacture if India will buy them!
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Singh
Feb 18, 2016 08:03pm
@truth FYI The Sukhoi SU30 MKi is 4.5th Gen Aircraft. Currently most advanced in the region.
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manav
Feb 18, 2016 08:04pm
India may be intersted in F-22 Raptor which is capable of escaping enemy radars other wise India is satisfed with SU-30 and is in joint research and production of 5th gen stealth fighter with Russia than buying obselete jets with outdated technology of the 70's era like F-16.
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Pakistani
Feb 18, 2016 08:08pm
Indians should ask for F22 technology. Love to see American relation ;)
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unknown
Feb 18, 2016 08:09pm
people we are only manufacturing it. Not will be using them. We have very advanced aircraft. We will be selling them to other nations and generating employment for our people.
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Sarcasm
Feb 18, 2016 08:10pm
@Mustafa R. Lockheed has 1000 people in Bangalore since many years.
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Saurav (ind)
Feb 18, 2016 08:12pm
@Indian its not. F 16 though ace aircraft of Pak air force is one of the best aircrafts possible.
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Another Indian
Feb 18, 2016 08:12pm
I was eagerly waiting for something like this after India's "disappointment" over F-16 sales to Pakistan. But didn't expect something this big. Pakistan has a long way to go to catch up with India's diplomatic prowess.
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XPakistani
Feb 18, 2016 08:15pm
So hilarious, they sell F-16s to Pakistan and want to manufacture it in India. Seriously! Nobody, but these two countries are themselves responsible for each others downfall.
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R.Kannan
Feb 18, 2016 08:15pm
As usual, another American company wants to dump their old discarded designs on India. The Indian government needs to develop the actual industry. India makes the most efficient rockets & rocket launchers in the world because it did not depend on such designs & proposals in the past. There are several industrial sectors where Indian companies are the mot efficient in the world. Why the Indian government encourges defence imports has always been suspicious.
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Sam
Feb 18, 2016 08:18pm
Its all about china - not India.
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SMI
Feb 18, 2016 08:20pm
@Brijesh well said !
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manav
Feb 18, 2016 08:20pm
@Pakistani the problem with all the f-series aircraft of usa is they are high maintenence machines though good in operational environment whereas russian and french machines are low maintenance and tough taskmasters.
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Rajeev Velagapudi
Feb 18, 2016 08:24pm
Great F-16s manufactured in India and the same sold to Pakistan and other countries. When Pakistan gets F-16's, Indian administration gets the entire manufacturing unit. Great Diplomacy Modi ji. Bottom line. Indian economy benefited.
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Apoorv Swarup
Feb 18, 2016 08:24pm
@M.Saeed I think the F-16 doesn't have any major tech advancements which the Russians wouldn't already have access to. Its a real old plane, if it were say the F-22 or F-35 that would have been different.
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issak
Feb 18, 2016 08:32pm
it's the usual backstabing way of USA ..one day announcing the sale to Pakistan and after protest from india offering to set up a manufacturing plant ...who benefits in the end?
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Manohar
Feb 18, 2016 08:32pm
India shouldn't opt for F-16 technology,
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Singh
Feb 18, 2016 08:33pm
@XPakistani I don't think there's any downfall as far India is concerned they are way too clever for these gimmicks.
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shabut
Feb 18, 2016 08:38pm
Both India and Pakistan need to wake up and start thinking about their mutual interests. These kinds of deals will just make the matters worst between India and Pakistan.
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Indian
Feb 18, 2016 08:40pm
@Karachitee : you never know if relationship between two countries would be normal and we would be doing business.
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universal truth
Feb 18, 2016 08:47pm
Oh that's the reason a drama and fuss was created for the sale of 8 F16 to Pakistan. to make a case so that Pakistan shouldn't object for the sale of same aircraft and transfer of technology to india
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Desi
Feb 18, 2016 08:49pm
America should offer us something better than 40 years old technology. We rather work with France
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adnan
Feb 18, 2016 08:52pm
way to go Indian management. this is how you make your country strong and bring a appeasing comment from a military hardware manufacturer giant as LM!
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Avijit Roy
Feb 18, 2016 08:53pm
A move to win over India from Rafael to F- Series ! And to counter criticism of its sales to Pakistan.
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Ajay
Feb 18, 2016 08:54pm
Sad. What India does not need is more weapons. Building a tractor plant to make cheap tractors for our farmers would be much better.
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Shruti
Feb 18, 2016 08:55pm
It is very difficult to trust USA.If the f16 deal is really necessary then believe in 50-50 & never ever think of getting even 51 percenage of the deal.As it is not only impossible but USA psyche will never allow you to do that.
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sid
Feb 18, 2016 08:55pm
Old tactics .....go take a walk....we don't need them.
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Shakeel
Feb 18, 2016 08:56pm
All these Indians dismissing F-16 as old and a has-been. If that is the case why is your military wasting time evaulating it? Having said that India won't buy the F-16, it wants the Rafale,
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Sarwar, USA.
Feb 18, 2016 08:58pm
Big game going on... Good now Pakistan will however get 8 F-16 no matter India get manufacturing or not. Pakistan should look for other better aircrafts. But wait our PM threat to NAB subsides first.
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AFaisal USA
Feb 18, 2016 08:59pm
@Karachitee Got that right. If you did not know Lockheed has a 1000 strong technical center in India.
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AFaisal USA
Feb 18, 2016 08:59pm
@Jayakumar What is wrong in that?
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Amanraj
Feb 18, 2016 09:03pm
@SyedChaudhryGangaDinKhan of UP US offered F18 to India during MMRCA deal. But it didn't got selected for final F15 is best aircraft of 4th gen era, offered only to very close countries like japan,Israel, Australia India have Mig 29 similar twin engine fighter to F15
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Quality
Feb 18, 2016 09:04pm
Here goes the quality, wonder how's LMT stock doing!
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Shoaib
Feb 18, 2016 09:04pm
@Indian no way. I am an aeronautical engineer and I can vouch that F-16 can still shoot down 4 rafael jet planes before they would know what hit them. It is only old in terms of its age and not because of its technology. Had it been so outdated, US would not have used it in Afghanistan alongside their more advanced F-22.
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AJ Khan
Feb 18, 2016 09:05pm
Well said. No arm race between neighbors. Just peace race will do it.
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Kedar
Feb 18, 2016 09:10pm
Americans trying their best to pacify India ! They can't ignore the huge market ! Alas ! The IAF doesn't need F-16s. So this offer is just loose talk. Time again whenever we have been refused tech due to sanctions or diplomacy, we have developed better and cheaper tech at home. ISRO being a very good example. Let's concentrate on Tejas, no matter how much time it takes, let's follow the Make in India principle in true sense.
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Aa
Feb 18, 2016 09:18pm
I guess india is the only country which would be stuck with this old stuff...
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Indian
Feb 18, 2016 09:20pm
SAAB is also offered and EUROFIGHTER too, BOEING OFFERED F18 under make in India.
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india_first
Feb 18, 2016 09:23pm
Pakistan will have to buy spares for their plane from India
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Peace
Feb 18, 2016 09:27pm
As I said this is known as diplomacy. No match to diplomacy of India. US can't afford to ignore India. India will surely regain its lost shine and pride someday.
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atif
Feb 19, 2016 12:52am
@Ambrish Kishan yaar to be fair we should not be wasting money on weapons ... its useless..our enmity is filling everyone else pockets!!
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Indian
Feb 19, 2016 12:57am
@Ghaznavi JF17 is even more obsolete than F16s. Guess the Chinese didn't get to steal all the plans..
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Ahmad Rafiq
Feb 19, 2016 12:58am
Yesterday, it was Apple that was opening up a development facility in India. Today it is Lockheed Martin. These are the fruits of democracy where institutions have been give the time and space to flourish. Indian politicians are not any less corrupt than their counterparts in Pakistan. That didn't prompt Indian Military to suffocate constitution and other institutions. Indian nation is now reaping the rewards for its patience. In time, Pakistanis will too if democracy is allowed to function.
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vikram
Feb 19, 2016 01:03am
@M.Saeed India manufacture Sukhoi 35mki as well. Indian jugaad make hybrid Tejas Fukhoi.
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RENU BHATIA
Feb 19, 2016 02:14am
@Karachitee Yes
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Sonny Afridi
Feb 19, 2016 02:21am
They can't even build tanks. Their Tejas fighter program is also an abysmal failure. Lockheed Martin would surely love to keep its f16 production lines running but I doubt indian would have the capability to keep it going. They lack the know how.
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raj
Feb 19, 2016 02:21am
Yes..India will want garbage like F-16 instead of Su-30 MKI, Pak-Fa, Rafale or even LCA-II with AESA radar.
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Sonny Afridi
Feb 19, 2016 02:26am
@Azeez f-16 is "third gen" are you delusional or what? Mig21 is considered 3rd gen
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A shah
Feb 19, 2016 02:36am
Now singing India's tune?
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Tamilselvan
Feb 19, 2016 02:59am
Ideally the planes should be made in India, certified by USA and then sold to Pakistan. Everybody is a winner
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Anon
Feb 19, 2016 03:02am
@Shakeel Who is evaluating F-16s? They are dumped in the first round of evaluation. Even SU-35s failed. India's needs are different.
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WiseMan
Feb 19, 2016 03:07am
@Ali Shah LOl it is not about buying F-16. It is about making F-16 in India to export to other countries. Eg: Pakistani pilots could go to India for training in future instead of USA, if Pakistan buys F-16. Understand!
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Akil Akhtar
Feb 19, 2016 03:31am
So it is a crime tos ell 8 F-16s to Pakistan but it is alright for india to manufacture them.....
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Farooq Sheikh
Feb 19, 2016 03:32am
@Karachitee yes as its already an obsolete aircraft!
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moni
Feb 19, 2016 03:54am
@Peace yeah sure hopefully one day but only when we will all become indian instead of north indian , south indian, hindu muslim christian,dalit etc etc..
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flying star
Feb 19, 2016 04:05am
Russia,China,and Pakistan must make alliance to make aeronautic production
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xYZ
Feb 19, 2016 04:23am
Pakistan is buying these aircrafts. Why can't they be manufactured in Pakistan?
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KN
Feb 19, 2016 05:21am
US has accepted to sell a few F-16s to Pakistan for payment after a lot of pushing by Pakistan On the other hand US is keen and eager to invest in India and setup manufacturing providing jobs and technology transfer to India. I am not sure what is the confusion who is getting a better deal here.
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Ramesh Sharma
Feb 19, 2016 05:22am
@Naxalite What China has to do with Indo-US deal. Why can't India and Pakistan can work together rather than taunting each other to compete with China, USA or any other country in the world
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ka
Feb 19, 2016 05:22am
Pakistan can rent them from India in future
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Eli
Feb 19, 2016 05:29am
@SyedChaudhryGangaDinKhan of UP - it creates very effective combination, F-15s with F-16s....US wants to keep this only with themselves..
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Iqbal Khan
Feb 19, 2016 05:46am
Shifting job fromUS to India. Lets see what Donald Trump has to say about it.
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ZAK
Feb 19, 2016 05:48am
so we can buy it cheaper from India.
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Lunatic
Feb 19, 2016 05:57am
@Brijesh Lockheed Martin knows that India will not touch the F16s with a 10 foot pole. It is obsolete and even MIG21s will come out better. LM wants to manufacture in India IF it commits to purchase the aircraft for its armed forces. There are no lunatics in IAF and no one will accept to fly F16s in war. This is all theatrics. Americans cannot provide hard cash for its ally's support in Afghanistan, so compensating with some old junk.
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San Francisco
Feb 19, 2016 06:11am
This should clue for Pakistan that they are behind India in IT and manufacturing. They are becoming a economic power house. Faster they releaized it, better for them.
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bong
Feb 19, 2016 06:45am
The MAKE IN INDIA campaign has drawn pledges of about US$222 Bn. Considering even around 50% hit ratio it would mean more than US$100Bn. F-16 manufacturing can take a hit.
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Tanjeet Singh Telegana
Feb 19, 2016 08:17am
You got to love this. Its becoming a slapstick comedy movie. lol
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Vijay
Feb 19, 2016 08:27am
@Khwarezmi We, the Indians and Pakistanis, or dumb enough to fall for it.
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Vijay
Feb 19, 2016 08:28am
@Risinglory Why not,remeber Modi is a Gujju and business in his blood.
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aslam shaikh
Feb 19, 2016 08:35am
Now Hindustan will be happy
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aslam shaikh
Feb 19, 2016 08:37am
Pakistan should develop JF Thunder series further and stop buying external technology.
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Sahil
Feb 19, 2016 08:41am
India needs to replace hundreds of its MIG 21s and replacing them with F16 is a good option. It will also have a psycological impact on Pakistan. Maybe in future Pakistani f16s may have to come to India for upgradation and overhaul.
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Threat Alert
Feb 19, 2016 08:41am
India will never go for F-16 since its adversary has full command on this weapon system. Procuring a weapon system that your enemy knows well is a futile exercise. However, if US company offers huge kickback to Indian military and civil leadership, this deal can be signed easily.
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Abdullah
Feb 19, 2016 08:52am
They are shutting down the F-16 Plant in USA and want indians to buy this obsolete technology......They know howto manipulate things......They just want India Pakistan to keep on fighting so they can sell their defence equipment to both of them and keep making money............Brothers please wake up and work for the good of common man.......spend money on schools, hospitals, education etc.....
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Hari Har
Feb 19, 2016 09:38am
@Karachitee lot cheaper!
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cool Himalayan lama
Feb 19, 2016 09:50am
this is how a good businessman does business ..and this is how two fools end up getting ripped of their money
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Chaitannya Mahatme
Feb 19, 2016 09:58am
@Brijesh They are not selling assembly lines to Indians. Indians are infact leaders in designing assembly line.
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mukesh
Feb 19, 2016 10:05am
Good divergence created by US through a Company so that matter of selling F-16 to Pakistan can be forget instead of proper answer to India.
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Khan
Feb 19, 2016 10:22am
@Brijesh you are right.
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Shobhit
Feb 19, 2016 10:23am
@M.Saeed yeah right, as you say !
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Shobhit
Feb 19, 2016 10:27am
@Mustafa R. Read a similar line when Tatas acquired Jaguar Land Rover by one of your fellow comrade.
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Indus
Feb 19, 2016 10:32am
@Ahmad Rafiq great comment
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anil sahu
Feb 19, 2016 10:39am
@Sonny Afridi oh is it JF-17 chinese copycat design from russian jets. very old design for current gen.
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Rabia
Feb 19, 2016 10:46am
I don't think India can deliver such projects as DRDO already working under the delayed tactics. They haven't been able to produce anything worth mentioning here. A huge conglomerate, unable to produce even a pistol so far.
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Manoj
Feb 19, 2016 11:03am
Always welcome to "Make In India". But it shouldn't mean Indian govt will buy your planes. Sell it in the international market including Pakistan (if they are willing) !!!
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Manoj
Feb 19, 2016 11:03am
@M.Saeed You are wrong. Willing only if Indian govt. assures billions of dollars in purchase of those planes.
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BK
Feb 19, 2016 11:06am
@Karachitee Wonderful comment.
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rahul1
Feb 19, 2016 11:07am
@Brijesh Cant agree more on this one. SouthAsian fools being robbed by US in the name of regional stability.
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BK
Feb 19, 2016 11:09am
@LOVE PAKISTAN Sorry to say there is nothing original in Chinese products.
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sshahsshah
Feb 19, 2016 11:15am
This offer is just to appease Indian lobby , and nothing else after f16 sale to Pakistan. They know Indian will never buy this aircraft. This aircraft is not 3rd generation aircraft as claimed by most Indian readers here. It has killed Russian aircraft in every real fight.
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Confused
Feb 19, 2016 11:19am
Good job - make in India and sell it to Pakistan.
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Ganesh
Feb 19, 2016 11:54am
Made in India F 35 very soon
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HUSSAIN
Feb 19, 2016 12:06pm
Looks like all this Indian fuss was to acquire this deal. Technology transfer and homeground manufacturing are quite important aspects of improving military industrial complex
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Jess
Feb 19, 2016 12:53pm
what? Why wud India buy F16s. They r 30 yr old. India is trying to replace it own old aircrafts including MiG then y wud India buy new. Infact theres hardly any demand left for F16s in world market. so swtting up a full n new facility from scratch just for manufacturing F16s is senseless.
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Bharatiya Australian
Feb 19, 2016 12:57pm
Great news...Loving it India..Some of comments say F16 is old technology...But think this way: Once the manufacturing set up is established and once the process becomes matured, it will be was to get latest toys Make in India..The day is not far when India will be the best research, design and manufacturing of the best Defense equipments in the world which will provide next generation jobs to Indian youth...Thanks for the visionary Make in India campaign.
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Atam Vetta
Feb 19, 2016 01:39pm
Comments here are so partial that one should keep quiet. There is, however one point on which most commentators agree. It is that F16 and/or its technology is ‘old’. Nothing can be farther from the truth. All manufacturers continue to update and improve products of this type and F16 is not exception. Otherwise the product become unsaleable.
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whatever
Feb 19, 2016 02:35pm
@Ghaznavi thats not your money it is conditional
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jinganinja
Feb 19, 2016 02:46pm
@GHAZAL : Intelligent question , I think both scenarios will not fit together. This is precisely the reason India opted for the Dassault Rafale over the F16IN
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Mekal Faruki
Feb 19, 2016 02:48pm
Typical carpetbagging nonsense from the US threatening both sides to make billions. Time to dump the US arms industry.
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Indian_Wolfie
Feb 19, 2016 03:04pm
Okay let be honest it's good to manufacture the F-16 in India, already Lockheed and Boeing manufacture the c-130 and c-17 components in Banglore India, the AH-64D Apache Longbow is also manufactured in Pune Maharashtra, and the BAE hawk is manufactured in Nashik India etc... its good to manufacture and sell to others but buying the F-16 is not in Indias intrest.
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Indian_Wolfie
Feb 19, 2016 03:07pm
Why should India keep the F-16 production lines open when in the near future they will close anyways. If you ask me US by giving India this offer is just delivering outdated junk to India at cost of national security of India. so I vote for Rafale. The primary fighter that India fields is the Su 30mki (earlier it was Mig 21 Bis) which is comparable to F-15E. so we do not need F-16
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Z.Saeed
Feb 19, 2016 03:20pm
@Brijesh I analysed Americans & Lockheed Martin needs financial support as their F-35 project in turmoil. By selling 8-F16 to Pakistan, they motivating India to plunge in F16 demand & buy manufacturing facility.
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malika
Feb 19, 2016 03:25pm
In plain words india making money and pak losing money
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asif
Feb 19, 2016 03:55pm
Technology is an open secret, if India wishes to sign an agreement then good luck
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Naveed
Feb 19, 2016 04:33pm
Conditional on if India puts an order for 200 planes! Big commissions looking for pockets!
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raw is war
Feb 19, 2016 05:08pm
@HUSSAIN why would Lockheed Martin bother about Indian fuss. He is a private contractor. Not a US government company.
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KnowTheTruth
Feb 19, 2016 05:35pm
@Indian_Wolfie you are absolutely right. The US is irked by Indian's Rafale order (the largest defence deal in history), and want a slice in the pie. F16 is outdated technology, still useful for 3rd world countries. So the US isnt losing anything by offering production in India.
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Irfan UK
Feb 19, 2016 05:46pm
Our leaders need to understand the importance of fixing Pakistan's problems soon and sort out the corruption immediately. Security issues are being fixed by the army and we need to plug all the holes in our economy and make it a good place for business and foreign investment. Can you imagine a country like India who wants to kill cricket in Pakistan what they would do if they started manufacturing F16s in India. We want peace with India and all other countries but we need to also safeguard and protect Pakistan so the sooner we can get rid of the corrupt leaders the better it is.
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AK
Feb 19, 2016 05:58pm
This is a "feel good" statement from Lockheed Martin for India so that sale of 8 F-16 goes through congress and Indian start dreaming. IAF is cognizant of the fact that they can not handle F16 as they drop every month one of their existing Russians fighter due to lack of skills.
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Nitin
Feb 19, 2016 06:12pm
@AK http://www.dawn.com/news/1221950 Just for your information.
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Paramedics
Feb 19, 2016 06:38pm
Chalo. Made in India fighters
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M Jamal
Feb 19, 2016 06:38pm
F16 is now an obsolete version(42 years old) and it is time to close the production line.No more in use by USA except for export purposes.What a novel idea to sell planes to Pakistan and plant to India.Laga Raho bhai bhai.
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Soumik
Feb 19, 2016 06:39pm
Not only F-16 manufacture but India has also been offered an F-18 plant by Boeing a Eurofighter plant by the British and a Gripen factory by the Swedes. Not to mention the French who have also offered the manufacture of the Rafale. Defence minister Parrikar has said that one or two of these companies shall be permitted to open JVs with Indian partners and start plant construction by the End of this year.
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Sympathiser
Feb 19, 2016 06:53pm
@Karachitee... Instead why not Pakistan start manufacturing????
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Vijay
Feb 19, 2016 07:36pm
@Desi Or the Russians for their SU-30.
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Yash
Feb 19, 2016 07:38pm
US is expert in making India and Pakistan!! Don't buy anything from US. We are making dollar strong and making our rupee weak!! When we will be self reliant??!!
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Sadaf Salman
Feb 19, 2016 07:42pm
We can sell india JF-17 on lesser price than F-16. Provided they dont use them against any neighbouring or week country.
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Toronto
Feb 19, 2016 07:44pm
@San Francisco ....Dude this is not the case...LM wants India to place the order first before they will start manufacturing in India. It looks like LM is offering the same model which Turkey opted. LM manufacturing plant is in Turkey and when Turkey places the order LM manufactures these F-16s in Turkey for TAF :) So no Pakistani order will be manufactured in India....It will be only for IAF.... Secondly, after the extensive enhancement in the Pakistani missile technology, fighter airplanes are now being used mostly for patrolling purpose (or PAF operations against terrorist camps)...... Thirdly, there will never be a war b/w Pakistan and India...because both are Nuclear powers.... And people who are debating that the Russian technology is better than the US should study and do some research.
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SuvBratChowdery
Feb 19, 2016 08:01pm
Lockheed Martin has a lot of Indian American employees in the technical side. So does Boeing. Modi should know this.
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BRILLIANT LOGIC
Feb 19, 2016 08:31pm
A country of 1.25 Billion people standing with a begging bowl in front of Manufacturers from Israel (a country of 5 Million) or US (300 Million) or Russia (160 Million)....this shows how much Indian leadership has squandered the human resource of the country. Thanks.
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Bob
Feb 19, 2016 08:40pm
This is highly unlikely because India is already assembling Russian made MIGs in India besides local manufacturing of Tejas light combat aircraft. With 200+ SU-30, over 50 Mirage-2000, 80+ MIG-29, 100+ Jaguar, MIG-27, MIG-25, MIG-23, MIG-21, and new Rafale fighters in inventory, Indian policy makers won't be in a position to accept Lockheed offer, probably that is why Lockheed has made this offer.
Recommend 0
Ali
Feb 19, 2016 08:56pm
People may not know or remember that Iran was the launch customer for F-16, as the Imperial Iranian Air Force ordered 300 F-16s and paid for it. That was during Shah of Iran's time, but the US cancelled the order after Khomanei's revolution. The US Air Force did "not" want small one engine F-16. USAF preferred bigger twin engine jets loaded with avionics. The US forced it on NATO and other air forces, but the diminutive F-16 evolved into a successful jet. The USAF eventually accepted it. F-16 was 1970s technology, though had upgrades. After 40 years, F-16 production line is closing. Therefore, Lockheed Martin wants to dump it on India. India wants F-22 and F-35 technology. That the US will not give as it will de-stabilize the region.
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Shakil
Feb 19, 2016 09:04pm
Well not bad deal, only India need to buy its production output :)
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SAL
Feb 19, 2016 10:53pm
@Satt F-15 & F-16 were contender from USA when India was looking for MRCA (medium range combat aircraft). Indians disgraced them and opted for Rafaels. Later the US offered them F-22 which they also rejected. It took them Thirty years to build 'Tejas' with foreign parts and it has not been certified to join IAF, even MIG-29 and SU-30 are assembled in India under the Russian supervision. Now a sensible person can well guess if F-16 get a stamp of "Make in India".
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gknatarajan
Feb 19, 2016 11:08pm
india will not agree to the condition to commit purchase of F16s form the co.only? by the time new factory produces the old design,, may be cheaper better fighters available in europe or russia!
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MMM
Feb 19, 2016 11:17pm
Great! Then we can buy our F-16s from India.
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Ghaznavi
Feb 20, 2016 12:09am
@Indian "JF17 is even more obsolete than F16s. Guess the Chinese didn't get to steal all the plans.." JF17 follows the block development approach. New blocks can be built upon the same air frame.
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Ghaznavi
Feb 20, 2016 12:11am
@whatever "thats not your money it is conditional" Nothing comes free! believe me our masses will pay every cent of the price one way or another.
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solani
Feb 20, 2016 01:00am
One has to understand this is all pure politics. Why USA not manufacturing in China, they will save more revenue, why India? They are only playing with the hearts of Pakistani. This is known as politics.
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GAWAL MANDI YA
Feb 20, 2016 01:05am
@Ramesh Sharma,Mr.Sharma,Pakistan has no desire to compete with China nor it can and India can never compete with China,facts.
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Akbar
Feb 20, 2016 01:19am
@Ali I think you are wrong. US has promised to sell F-35's to India. But F-35's have problems which is the reason why India won't buy. Yes, US won't build F-35's in India.
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Akbar
Feb 20, 2016 01:24am
I don't think India should spend on Arms/Ammunition. Instead India should build better infrastructure which will reduce poverty. What's the point in having Nuclear deterrence and still spend on Arms? Why not build roads/Toilets/Schools/educate people on overpopulation. A true super power is one which takes good care of its people, provide them jobs, economic growth and provide security.
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Optimistic Pakistan
Feb 20, 2016 01:32am
Just a lolly pop for India.. Other motives behind it.
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KN
Feb 20, 2016 01:37am
@Ali Whats there to dump. There are enough countries queuing up to buy F-16s including Pakistan. India will make them, create a lot of jobs, export and make big money.
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Sid
Feb 20, 2016 01:47am
@Pakistani ... FYI.... USA infact offered F22 to India for FGFA project, India denied it because it didn't had transfer of tech clause in it. Even that will turn around soon if this goes through.
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Sid
Feb 20, 2016 01:48am
@Shakeel .... IAF is not at all evaluating F-16s any more. Check your facts.
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KM
Feb 20, 2016 02:41am
USAF is planning on replacing F-16 with F-35 soon. Lockheed Martin will make money from India then. Good thinking.
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Prasad
Feb 20, 2016 03:28am
:)) It would be ironic if F-16s produced in India are exported to Pakistan...
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Talk sense
Feb 20, 2016 05:18am
There has been a lot of negative commentary about F16 sale proposal to Pakistan vis-a-vis India's concern. Pakistan conveniently forgets nightmares it got when India gets Civil Nuclear Deal and other preferences. The question is why waste energy on this. Do Dawn comments win wars? Forget winning wars, commenting on dawn sitting on one's PC isn't even going to buy any one a slice of bread, be it an Indian or a Pakistani. Get back to senses. India and Pakistan are better helping each other than fighting each other. Think over it.
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Air Cdre (R) Arif Moinuddin
Feb 20, 2016 05:20am
Its a great idea.lets make F-16s in India and sell it to Pakistan
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Weirdity
Feb 20, 2016 06:42am
Pakistan must accept the F16 only if it's allowed to be manufactured in Pakistan also.
Recommend 0
Weirdity
Feb 20, 2016 06:48am
@GAWAL MANDI YA Pakistan does have to compete with China because it's in a class of its own.
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tahir
Feb 20, 2016 07:05am
Turkey got a f16 assembly line.. Not really a big deal as indians are making out to be. India not go for f16 because its unable to afford them due to civilian budgets. Most of its defence budget is used to pensions to retired soldiers. They also have close defence ties to russia and surely this will be a real concern to america Pakistan must focus on procuring 5th gen stealth aircraft from china and assemble them to. doubt we will do. F16 are superseded hence by Pakistan has purchased 8. Anyway, Pakistan has shown interest in the su35 and russia is watching india purchases. So build f16s. Russia will be firmly behind china and Pakistan.
Recommend 0
tahir
Feb 20, 2016 07:08am
India should buy f16 and then Russians will be upset. Russia could sell its latest systems to Pakistan and closer defence with china.
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Whatever
Feb 20, 2016 07:08am
@GAWAL MANDI YA get rid of the "never"mindset.
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Rahi.
Feb 20, 2016 07:11am
There's a lill more i=history to this than what meets the eye: Defence contracts, esp ones involving setting up manufacturing facilities aren't finalised overnight. a). For those who think F-16 is an obsolete aircraft, well, in short it's not but in the context of US - Lockheed Martin - even the aircraft's latest rendition is not sought by US Airforce considering the F -22s and 35s etc. b) All of these fighter jets are not sought aggresivley by the US - the largest buyer; buying more than the next 26 nations combined, all of whom are allies - they've stopped working on any new fighter jets. -Continued-
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Rahi.
Feb 20, 2016 07:12am
-Continued 2- c). But they can still sell them, right? Yet, they don't want to manufacture them anymore. Lockheed Martin already established a manufacturing facility in India about a decade back - granted they weren't manufacturing and assembling the complete aircraft there but they'd started manufacturing spare parts for F - 16 starting with the aircraft's older versions later graduating to the latest versions. d). This co-incided with the last tranche of Block 52 US released. Lockheed Martin doesn't manufacture the aircrafts parts anymore, and no fighter jet can work without a sustained supply of spareware which if we insist on "Lockheed branded" ones will only be available from other nations including India. -Continues-
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Rahi.
Feb 20, 2016 07:12am
-Continued e) And not to be a even more of a killjoy, the other countries listed where manufacturing takes place have moved on to other indigenously manufactured aircrafts seeing the changing global need and rising market - here's a fun fact: the fastest stealth bomber is made in..? Guess..? It's Sweden!! f). Now to end this on a highnote; even though we might not flaunt it yet but Pak can manufacture most if not all of the spareware we'd need to effectively make the new breed of F-16s part of our operational fleet and now that we've them we can work on perfecting the parts we can't build as yet. - Cheers!
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Shan
Feb 20, 2016 08:07am
it would be a win-win this way the india made F-16 will cost less and pakistan will be able to get them at low cost to fight terrorism.
Recommend 0
Dharma
Feb 20, 2016 08:14am
The peace process between India and Pakistan should not get affected by these ploys by external powers. Very positive comments by both, Indians and Pakistanis.
Recommend 0
Are you Surprised
Feb 20, 2016 09:34am
@Karachitee. and perhaps the pilots too!!!
Recommend 0
John Cool
Feb 20, 2016 10:04am
The manufacturing of F-16 aircraft in India will also be conditional to Indian government's contractual commitment to purchase the aircraft for its armed forces. Then it should be contractual commitment not to sell F-16 aircraft to hostile government to India.
Recommend 0
Saif
Feb 20, 2016 10:15am
Lollipop! Nothings going to come out of it.
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avinash
Feb 20, 2016 01:25pm
yeah the age old drama is likely to be repeated , as per us strategy - divide and rule , india and pak will keep fighting for nothing more than nonsense, and US will sell its warfare , great more than a half century of freedom and yet we are controlled by a selfish outsider
Recommend 0
Raj
Feb 20, 2016 06:20pm
@Ajay - No need to be so sad dear...India already manufactures some of the best tractors and our Government gives subsides and other incentives where they are used for farming. We are not short on tractors and other farming equipment,
Recommend 0
Zak
Feb 20, 2016 07:10pm
@ZAK maybe cheaper but it won't work. Na, we will stick to US stuff.
Recommend 0
Gooch
Feb 20, 2016 07:26pm
Most countries are moving on to 5/6th generation air crafts these days, while F-16 is relatively a good air craft in terms of S.Asia scenario , but it is still a dated fighter. Indians need to go beyond these 3/4 generations fighters. All major world powers are engaged in research & development of 6th Gen.fighters, so why worry about F-16s ?
Recommend 0
LD
Feb 20, 2016 11:38pm
@Bahubali They can sell it to anyone they want. Modi wants to create employment. He wants them to make it in India. Just by making it in India does not mean that it is meant for Indian consumption.
Recommend 0
Khan- Pakistani
Feb 21, 2016 01:45am
Great indea , making F16 in India for Pakistan !
Recommend 0
Khan- Pakistani
Feb 21, 2016 01:46am
Then India will never object at selling it to Pakistan . ha ha ha !
Recommend 0
Jamshed
Feb 21, 2016 07:30am
@Air Cdre (R) Arif Moinuddin
Recommend 0
solani
Feb 21, 2016 07:31am
@MMM (They are only playing games, really they are playing with us now).
Recommend 0
solani
Feb 21, 2016 07:34am
@M.Saeed (they will make (F-O) manufactured by india.
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Sachin
Feb 21, 2016 07:34am
So for future spare parts, Pakistan will have to contact India ??
Recommend 0
chandragupta
Feb 21, 2016 08:49am
@Ghaznavi same goes for you also.
Recommend 0
Sameer
Feb 21, 2016 03:23pm
@Ghaznavi That's really a great thought.
Recommend 0
Sameer
Feb 21, 2016 03:39pm
@tahir Wow. what a futuristic thinking! Years ahead of time. Simply great.
Recommend 0

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