all future F-16 wings will be built in India

[Storm Force]

I understand your point. Regardless of that the Indian lobby in the US and the Indian government make noise over it....one wonders where and what the associated fears are about free Falcons...

India will make noise in USA because USA listens .

Heck USA dropped there hundred million dollar grant bill last month because India wanted this .

 

[randomradio]

Do not confuse "you" as "me". It is the government's decision with PAF. 36 C/D aircraft in total as originally planned. But the Indian lobby will make noise over it. They made a lot of noise over 13 F-16A/Bs from Jordan when they were acquired.

They currently fly a total of 76 aircraft.

Yeah. You = Pak. Me = India.

We will most definitely make noise.

 

[Raider 21]

Yeah. You = Pak. Me = India.

We will most definitely make noise.

“The test of courage comes when we are in the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority.”

Cheers !!!

 

[SQ8]

Do not confuse "you" as "me". It is the government's decision with PAF. 36 C/D aircraft in total as originally planned. But the Indian lobby will make noise over it. They made a lot of noise over 13 F-16A/Bs from Jordan when they were acquired.

They currently fly a total of 76 aircraft.

80 F-16s was the goal, pretty much there now.
The rest is JF-17s waiting until FGF with the PG’s holding the rear guard.
All according to the ASR set ten years ago.

 

[Tshering22]

That is interesting. But what is the market scope of F-16s, given that there are almost a handful countries interested in the jet? The Viper is a pitch to India. Yes, there are many countries using it already and would most likely not order it again. Many prominent users of fighter jets in NATO countries are looking at getting F-35s which will shave off a significant chunk of air defence budget for them to induct any meaningful numbers of F-16s.

The deal doesn't seem attractive at all.

 

[randomradio]

That is interesting. But what is the market scope of F-16s, given that there are almost a handful countries interested in the jet? The Viper is a pitch to India. Yes, there are many countries using it already and would most likely not order it again. Many prominent users of fighter jets in NATO countries are looking at getting F-35s which will shave off a significant chunk of air defence budget for them to induct any meaningful numbers of F-16s.

The deal doesn't seem attractive at all.

LM believes there's a market for 100 more jets even if India doesn't buy.

 

[Tshering22]

LM believes there's a market for 100 more jets even if India doesn't buy.

And then what? 100 jets by LM's standards are not exactly a 20-year job. Especially the wings.

 

[randomradio]

And then what? 100 jets by LM's standards are not exactly a 20-year job. Especially the wings.

Even if the factory is open for only 5 years, it's big money. You forget that this is not for India, it's for exports.

Are you saying we shouldn't build them at all?

 

[trishna_amṛta]

That is interesting. But what is the market scope of F-16s, given that there are almost a handful countries interested in the jet?

Indonesia Air Force is looking forward to acquire 48 Viper (block 70) by the year 2020

 

[FuturePAF]

Even if the factory is open for only 5 years, it's big money. You forget that this is not for India, it's for exports.

Are you saying we shouldn't build them at all?

It depends on return on investment to build those factories. There is a break even point where if you in vest 500 million to make a factory, and your annual profit each year is 100 million, it will take 5 years just to break even.

 

[randomradio]

It depends on return on investment to build those factories. There is a break even point where if you in vest 500 million to make a factory, and your annual profit each year is 100 million, it will take 5 years just to break even.

They wouldn't be transferring production to India if they didn't think it wasn't viable.

 

[FuturePAF]

They wouldn't be transferring production to India if they didn't think it wasn't viable.

It wouldn't be viable for the private sector Indian company buying the facility and not making enough sales. Lockheed still makes it money selling the equipment in the facility. If the Indian Air force buys enough or this joint venture can secure enough foreign sale, then it would be viable.

Look at the experience of the Turks
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_Air_Force#Equipment

232 for the Turkish Air Force
46 Egyptian F-16s
and some others

The only other option would be supply replacement wings to current F-16 operators looking to extend the life of their fleets. Not a bad idea, but if it comes at the expense of securing an F-35 deal, Lockheed would definitely be against such a deal, and may work in a cause to prevent such conflict of interest sale (on "national security grounds").

 

[randomradio]

It wouldn't be viable for the private sector Indian company buying the facility and not making enough sales. Lockheed still makes it money selling the equipment in the facility. If the Indian Air force buys enough or this joint venture can secure enough foreign sale, then it would be viable.

Look at the experience of the Turks
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turkish_Air_Force#Equipment

232 for the Turkish Air Force
46 Egyptian F-16s
and some others

The only other option would be supply replacement wings to current F-16 operators looking to extend the life of their fleets. Not a bad idea, but if it comes at the expense of securing an F-35 deal, Lockheed would definitely be against such a deal, and may work in a cause to prevent such conflict of interest sale (on "national security grounds").

In India, 90 planes was deemed viable for MII.

 

[FuturePAF]

In India, 90 planes was deemed viable for MII.

As they wish. Good for Pakistan that India wants to have less F-16s and more Tejas.

 

[randomradio]

As they wish. Good for Pakistan that India wants to have less F-16s and more Tejas.

Also more Rafale.

I'm guessing in a few months you guys will be surprised by what's coming next.