Lockheed expects to firm up IAF cargo aircraft order

Bangalore, Aug 23 (UNI) Aviation major Lockheed Martin expects to firm up an order for six C-5 cargo aircraft from the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the next six months.

The IAF would be procuring the aircraft with an option to order for six more for special operations under an inter-governmental deal between India and the US.

Lockheed Martin Business Ventures Director Phillip N Georgariou informed newspersons on the sidelines of the Tech Expo of Lockheed Martin India Innovation Growth Programme that negotiations were underway in this regard.

The aircraft delivery could take 24 to 36 months from the date on which the order was inked. However, there might be some delay in view of the special requirements of the IAF.

Lockheed Martin, which had firmly pitched for 126 Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) order of the IAF, was keen in spreading its wings in India and recently set up a net centric operations centre in partnership with Wipro.

''We are talking with other IT companies also and looking into their capabilities. Some of them are in mid-stage,'' he said without naming any specific IT company.

Mr Georgariou said the company was actively pursuing various options for investment in India.

Sector wise Nano and Biotechnology besides materials were of interest to the organisation.

The potential offered by India was plenty and the company was looking for opportunities in the country outside Defence sector.

UNI