Lockheed Martin may shift F-16 production to India

[TexasTowelie]

With production winding down after 40 years in Fort Worth, Lockheed Martin is considering a plan to move assembly of future F-16 fighter jets to India — if that country places a big order for the planes.

The defense giant has offered India exclusive rights to produce and export F-16s, said Ken Ross, a spokesman for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Fort Worth.

“We are in discussions with the U.S. government, the government of India, and our Indian industry partners about this opportunity,” Ross said. “Details about this potential partnership will be determined in conjunction with the respective governments, Lockheed Martin, and Indian industry.”

Lockheed acknowledged in February that the company had offered to build F-16s in India last year at a meeting between Lockheed’s CEO Marillyn Hewson and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India is looking to replace many of its air force’s 650 planes and wants to turn itself into a hub for defense manufacturing.

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/news/business/article93910882.html

[Cayenne]

1. The rich get richer....

TPP puts the accelerator on it.

[JI7]

4. what does this have to do with TPP ?

It looks like if they decide to do it they can without any treaty.

[Hoyt]

2. If planes are for India, I don't have a big issue with that (other than distaste for arms, period).

I think that is what global trade is all about.

India says they will buy planes that were designed and updated in the USA, many of the parts will be made here, etc., helping to employ Americans and provide investment in India.

Now, I think it would be improper to build planes to be used by the US military in India.

[Statistical]

6. Did you miss this part?

"The defense giant has offered India exclusive rights to produce and export F-16s"

I mean if we are going to be in the arms business I would much rather it be American workers making the weapons than offshoring the design to India so they can sell everyone and their brother an F-16 to the benefit of Indian workers.

[Kaleva]

7. My guess is that a number of componets will be made in the US

Such as the radars and engines.

[Hoyt]

8. I thinj our workers will still come out ahead. Although I don't get excited

about arms production, it employees a heck of a lot of Americans.

[Spider Jerusalem]

3. Not particularly an issue, the USAF isn't buying F-16's anymore

all production goes to other countries. I expect that if they were producing planes for the US military those would be built in the US.

[backscatter712]

9. According to the article, the workers involved are being moved to F-35 production.

They're even expanding and hiring more workers.

[msongs]

5. maybe Bernie can talk them out of it nt

[Johonny]

10. Isn't that ITAR restricted?