Hercules arrives, Super Viper next?

SP’s Show News (SP’s): Now that Lockheed Martin has commenced delivery of the C-130J Super Hercules, what is the strategy of the company with regard to securing the much larger IAF tender for the medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA)?

Roger Rose (Rose): Lockheed Martin’s current focus is on disciplined programme performance. The on-time delivery and execution of the C-130J Hercules project is extremely important to the company. The first Hercules will be delivered to the Indian Air Force in the first quarter of 2011.

With regards to the IAF tender for 126 MMRCA, Lockheed Martin has fielded the F-16IN Super Viper which is a unique new fighter sharing a heritage with the world’s only fifth generation fighters-the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter and the F-22 Raptor. Evolutionary integration of fifth generation technologies makes the F-16IN the most advanced fourth generation fighter in the world today. We feel we have done very well during the field trials and have a fully compliant solution.

This ultimate fourth generation fighter has been tailored exclusively to meet or exceed all of India’s MMRCA requirements. The F-16IN is the right choice for the IAF and is ready for integration into India’s infrastructure and operations now. The ability of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics to incorporate the latest technologies into the F-16IN is the key to expanding mission roles and improving combat capability, therefore creating the most effective multi role fighter today. With a robust upgrade capacity and the continuous insertion of technology, the F-16IN can be readily equipped with emerging capabilities throughout its lifecycle.

The Super Viper has the most advanced technologies and capabilities available today in the international market. It is truly the ultimate fourth generation fighter with all it brings to the battlefield.

SP’s: Can you enlighten us on the progress of the induction plan of the six C-130J Super Hercules, logistic support and offset obligations under the contract?

Rose: Lockheed Martin is very proud of its partnership with India and its ability to deliver on time and on budget. As part of this programme, more than 130 IAF personnel will undergo training on operating and maintaining these aircraft. Majority of them would have completed this training before the first aircraft arrival in India. In addition, the package includes, spares, ground support and test equipment, servicing carts, forklifts, loading vehicles, cargo pallets and a team of technical specialists who will be based in India during a three-year initial support period. Also included in the package is India-unique operational equipment designed to increase special operations capabilities.

The remaining four aircraft will be delivered in early summer and two in late summer of next year.

SP’s: There have been reports that indicate requirement of the IAF for additional six C-130J Super Hercules. Has Lockheed Martin received any formal proposal or indication in this regard?

Rose: The first six aircraft are part of the foreign military sales (FMS) between the Government of USA and India. An option for additional six aircraft was part of the original agreement signed between the two governments. It is our understanding that the IAF is very happy with the way Lockheed Martin has performed on the programme so far. Experience of the IAF personnel operating and maintaining these aircraft while undergoing training in USA has also been very encouraging and we are looking forward to the Indian Government placing a letter of request for additional six aircraft in very near future.

SP’s: Has there been any progress on the possible sale of the MH-60R multi-role helicopter that the Indian Navy was considering for procurement?

Rose: The US Navy was notified that its FMS offering of its newest, frontline MH-60R helicopter was non-compliant with the multi-role helicopter request for proposal (RFP). We continue to look for a path to offer this world-class capability to the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard.

SP’s: What are the other major products that Lockheed Martin is planning to showcase at Aero India 2011?

Rose: During Aero India, Lockheed Martin will showcase the F-16IN Super Viper, the most advanced fourth generation fighter aircraft as well as the C-130J Super Hercules airlifter. In addition, Lockheed Martin will also highlight advances in it’s portfolio of combat-proven, precision engagement and targeting systems including the javelin antitank guided missile, Sniper, Apache Systems, Arrowhead, Hellfire II, DAGR and PAC-3 Missile.

SP’s: What are the chances for the IAF to acquire the fifth generation combat aircraft from the US such as the F35? Would such a possibility be contingent on IAF selecting the F16IN Super Viper as the MMRCA?

Rose: It is an Indian Air Force decision on what combat aircraft acquisitions are made in the future. We feel the F-16IN Super Viper is the right choice for the Indian Air Force base on the requirements set forth in the RFP.

SP’s: Has Lockheed Martin responded to Indian Navy’s requirement for a carrier-based aircraft?

Rose: We have responded to the Indian Navy’s questions concerning the F-35.

SP’s: How are you tackling the sensitive issue of offsets obligations in defence contracts? What are your views on the expansion of scope for offsets brought out in the recently released Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2011 and what effect it could have in discharging your offset obligations? Do you see any further scope for refinement in this regard?

Rose: The DPP is an evolving policy document and it is very encouraging that the Indian Government is sensitive to changing environment and continually making adjustments to meet its security objectives. We at Lockheed Martin are here to adapt to Indian procedures and deliver best value within the laid down framework.

SP’s: What is the company’s policy with regard to transfer of technology?

Rose: Lockheed Martin operates within the limits set by our partner countries. We see no limitations in operating within the current FDI guidelines.

SP’s: What are the future strategies and business plans for consolidating/expanding the Company’s defence business in India?

Rose: Lockheed Martin is committed to a long-term partnership in technology development, manufacturing and strategic collaboration in third markets with Indian companies from both the public and private sectors. Its broad-based portfolio can address important Indian requirements in defence, security and delivery of vital public services. Lockheed Martin has an unmatched performance record in establishing partnerships with industry. Lockheed Martin is committed to working with its industrial partners and Indian defence industry to develop long-term, high-value projects that bring technology and sustainable business to India.