BEL MoU with Lockheed Martin to explore F-21 industrial opportunity

Lucknow: Lockheed Martin, an American security and aerospace company, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to explore industrial opportunities in the F-21 programme. The MoU has been signed between both of organisations during the DefExpo-2020, held in Lucknow last week. Lockheed Martin is strengthening and growing its partnerships with the Indian industry to support the company's F-21 proposal for the Indian Air Force.

While speaking on the occasion Lockheed Martin Aeronautics's Vice President Dr Vivek Lall (Strategy and Business Development) said "We are excited to begin exploring F-21 opportunities with BEL, one of India's leading aerospace and defence companies. An F-21 partnership with India integrates Indian industry, including BEL, into the world's largest and most successful fighter aircraft ecosystem and demonstrates Lockheed Martin's commitment to India."

BEL's Director (Marketing) Anandi Ramalingam said "We are happy to collaborate with Lockheed Martin which is a global major in the aerospace sector. We are eagerly looking forward to cashing in on this co-operation to address domestic and international market needs in this sector."

F-21 is an advanced, single-engine fighter jet developed by the Lockheed Martin. It is an ideal solution to meet the Indian Air Force's capability needs and deliver unparalleled industrial opportunities. The F-21 delivers an advanced, single-engine multi-role fighter at the most optimal life cycle cost for the Indian Air Force, with the longest service life of any competitor – 12,000 flight hours. In concert with India's Rafale and Tejas, the F-21 will fill a critical operational gap for the Indian Air Force.

"We are happy to collaborate with Lockheed Martin which is a global major in the aerospace sector. We are eagerly looking forward to cashing in on this co-operation to address domestic and international market needs in this sector."- Anandi Ramalingam, Director (Marketing), BEL

The F-21 also provides unmatched opportunities for Indian companies of all sizes, including Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and suppliers throughout India, to establish new business relationships with Lockheed Martin and other industry leaders in the US and around the globe.