Lockheed Martin expect to firm up IAF Cargo aircraft in six months

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

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

Lockheed Martin Director for Business Ventures, Phillip N Georgariou told newsmen on the sidelines of the Tech Expo of the Lockheed Martin India Innovation growth programme that the negotiations were on. The aircraft delivery could take 24 to 36 months from the date the order was inked. However, there might be some delay in view of the special requirements of IAF.

Lockheed Martin which had firmly pitched for the 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 Lockheed Martin was actively pursuing various options for investment in India. Sector wise Nano and Biotechnology besides materials were of interest to the organisation, he added.

He said the potential offered by India was plenty and outside the Defence Deals, the company was looking for opportunities in the country.

UNI