It has been enemy plane number one for India, it is configured to carry nuclear weapons against India and now India has to pay for this old plane in new avatar. US fighter jet producer Lockheed Martin today submitted its bid for Indian Air Force’s mega deal for induction of 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA), claiming its F-16IN would exceed India’s expectations. F-16 has been the mainstay of Pakistan Air Force for more than two decades and is usually offered free to Pakistan.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company President Ralph D Heath was asked about the advanced technologies being offered to IAF as the F-16s form part of the Pakistan Air Force fighter fleet too. In a typical marketing talk he replied that the F-16IN would have “a multitude of cutting-edge technologies”.

This offer comes a year after the PAF F-16, donated by US, is going to be upgraded to Block 50/52 standards. Although these upgrades are not a match for the UAE F-16 block 60, UAE air force has strong PAF connections. The F-16In offered to India is not very different from the UAE F-16 Block 60.

US has a short memory. In case of a sale to India, US might upgrade PAF F-16′s to this level or offer new builds with similar technologies. There is no guarantee of US behavior in such matters judging from the past. Although, other manufacturers sell to Pakistan, US and F-16 are more likely to do so.

Capability wise, F-16IN must be the best variant of F-16 ,but might not the best plane available for the price. Couple it with the super sized US congress which has to be approached every time India will have to get new supplies or upgrades and the experience of giving a contract to Lockheed martin to develop the Fly By Wire for the Indian Light Combat Aircraft. The very reason the MRCA contract need has arisen is because the Indian Light Combat Aircraft was delayed due to US sanctions.