F-21: Lockheed Martins Super F-16 On Steroids For The Indian Air Force

Lockheed Martin has specially designed the F-21, a variant of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, for the Indian Air Force. India wants to sustain its considerable Su-30MKI fleet for years to come, but it doesn’t necessarily want to buy new Su-30s. In recent years, India has focused on domestic production (like the lightweight Tejas fighter) and has purchased French Rafale jets. But for now, India struggles to design and build advanced multi-role fighter jets by itself. So, while India is an emerging great power, it is still heavily dependent on imports and Lockheed is hoping India will be interested in the F-21.