F-35 Fighter Jet Maker Lockheed Martin Signs Agreement With State-Owned HAL To Explore Industrial Collaboration

United States (US) based renowned fighter jet maker Lockheed Martin has signed an agreement with the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to explore potential industrial collaboration in India's aerospace sector, reports Economic Times.

Talking about the agreement with Bengaluru based aerospace major, JR McDonald who is the vice president of business development at Integrated Fighter Group of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics said, "We are excited to explore potential opportunities with HAL, one of the largest aerospace companies in Asia".

Meanwhile, HAL's chairman and managing director said that HAL is looking forward to working with Lockheed Martin in exploring opportunities in the domestic and international markets.

It should also be noted that McDonald also said, "We are committed to continuing to integrate Indian industry into our aerospace and defence ecosystem and demonstrating Lockheed Martin's commitment to India now and in the decades to come."

Lockheed Martin is one of the key companies which are in the race for the Indian Air Force (IAF)'s multi-billion dollar contract for the supply of 114 fighter jets and has offered its F-21 fighter jet under a 'Make in India' proposition.