Aircraft & UAVs

Lockheed Martin F-21

The Lockheed Martin F-21 was an India-specific multirole fighter proposal based on the F-16 Block 70/72 and marketed to the Indian Air Force as a Make in India industrial partnership. Lockheed described it as specifically configured for India, with Tata Advanced Systems as a proposed production partner and a cockpit, refueling, and sensor package tailored to the Indian competition.

Specifications

Radar
Northrop Grumman AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array radar
Cockpit
Large-area display with modernized avionics
Refueling
Retractable refueling probe and probe/drogue plus boom aerial refueling compatibility
Fuel system
Conformal fuel tanks for greater range penetration and loiter persistence

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service
Offered to the Indian Air Force in 2019 as part of Lockheed Martin's fighter competition bid.

Conflict Usage

Side
🏳️Unspecified

Exact model: Lockheed Martin F-21, an India-specific fighter proposal derived from the F-16 Block 70/72. It has not been procured or used in combat.

Timeline

Lockheed Martin F-21 Key Events

  1. India production partnership announced

    Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems announced an F-16 India partnership that framed the industrial background for later F-21 marketing.

    Sources: Lockheed Martin, Tata Announce F-16 India Partnership

  2. F-21 unveiled for India

    Lockheed Martin publicly presented the F-21 as a fighter configured for the Indian Air Force and positioned it as a Make in India proposal.

    Sources: F-21 | Lockheed Martin, Lockheed Martin Offers India Upgraded F-16 Fighter Jet

  3. BEL opportunity study

    Lockheed Martin and Bharat Electronics Limited signed an MoU to explore industrial opportunities tied to the F-21 programme.

    Sources: Lockheed Martin and BEL to explore opportunities in F-21 fighter programme

Lockheed Martin F-21 Images

Related Weapon Systems

F/A-18 Hornet (Tactical), Carrier-capable multirole strike fighter, Aircraft & UAVsAircraft & UAVsF/A-18 Hornet (Tactical)Carrier-capable multirole strike fighterThe F/A-18 Hornet (Tactical) is the National Naval Aviation Museum's label for the original McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 A-D Hornet family, a twin-engine all-weather fighter and attack aircraft that entered Marine Corps service in 1983 and U.S. Navy service in 1984. NAVAIR describes the Hornet as the nation's first all-weather fighter and attack aircraft, and official weapons documentation lists AGM-65 Maverick missiles among its armament.

Sources