Lockheed Martin's
Perhaps even more problematic is that the F-35's recent $900 million increase and schedule delays have further opened the door for competitor Boeing
Silver lining for Lockheed?
With all the doom and gloom surrounding Lockheed's F-35, it may be tempting for Lockheed to get nervous about the state of the F-35 program. However, the DOD's recent announcement regarding its willingness to sell F-35s to New Delhi may be the breath of fresh air Lockheed needs.
Although India has not expressed specific interest in the F-35, it has rejected two older U.S. warplanes, the F-16 and the F-18, leaving room for the F-35 to swoop up the $11 billion fighter jet contract.
Robert Scher, deputy assistant secretary of defense for South Asia, has gone on the record to say, "The F-35 is something that we would be more than willing to talk to the government of India about should they request to find out more information about purchasing it."
Don't count your chickens just yet
Right now, the talk of selling F-35s to India is just that: talk. Still, if India does express interest in the F-35, the DOD's willingness to sell the F-35 is great news for Lockheed and its subcontractors on the project: Northrop Grumman
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