Lockheed Martin may source F-16 parts from HAL

According to The Hindustan Times ..... "American giant Lockheed Martin is looking at the possibility of sourcing components from Hindustan Aeronautics for its popular F-16 fighter aircraft. The US company is also looking at other possibilities for partnership with Indian companies. "...... "As of now, the US company is looking at sourcing of components like forgings and castings from Hindustan Aeronautics. Joint production of fighter aircraft is also under discussion for the long-term. Lockheed is one of the players in the race for supplying fighter aircraft to Indian defence forces."

There are couple of things to be noted!!

1. First of all F-16 maybe popular, but is certainly not the latest aircraft. How many of them are going to be produced anyway? This seems to be more strategic than anything else.
2. This is further strengthened by the fact that they are sending forgings and castings initially. Well!! even TELCO will do that for them.
3. Lastly, it could be a way of familiarizing Indian industry with US airplane components so that future orders for joint production of US aircrafts can be realized.