“The F-16 gives Indian industry a unique opportunity to be at the centre of the world’s largest fighter aircraft ecosystem,” Lall said. That combination of cost and capabilities is why F-16 production opportunities today total more than 400 aircraft, including India,” he said. Block 70 mission systems are completely new and leverage technologies from the F-35,” Lall said. Notably the US Pacific Command Commander Admiral Harry Harris during his two recent Congressional testimonies have supported selling F-35 to India. He also said the purchase includes, F/A-18E for India’s multi-engine, carrier-based fighter purchase; a reorder of 12-15 P-8Is; a potential purchase of SeaGuardian UAS; MH-60R multi-role sea-based helicopter; and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Source: Mint March 19, 2018 05:37 UTC