With all due respect to fellow Indian members, the F-16 is still one of the most successful and versatile fighters the world has seen. Agreed, the programme itself is dated but with periodic upgrades, the Americans have managed to give the best in electronics, avionics and weapon systems available to this aircraft thereby ensuring that it retains its cutting edge. Till date, it remains one of the most successful and battle tested modern fighters. With the upgrades, the F-16 will remain a very viable platform for atleast the next decade.
By no stretch of imagination can this aircraft be therefore called junk.
Moreover, it is very much in contention for the MRCA deal, having been evaluated by the IAF. Technically therefore, it is possible that the F-16 in its latest avtar be selected by the GOI to display the Indian tricolour. This remains a distinct possibility till the selection process is completed and the winner of the MRCA competition is anounced.
We all have our personal opinions about the likely winner but at the end of the day it is the GOI which will take the final call.
I agree, the Americans have a poor track record in honoring defence contracts and agreements and also the fact that the PAF flies these aircrafts, makes it somewhat unlikely for us to go for the F-16, but no one can forecast the outcome of the MRCA bidding for sure.
To answer the question raised by the thread starter, the statement given out by Lockheed is totally untenable. No one in his right mind believes this statement which is nothing but a crude sales pitch. The US government is committed to providing after sales technical and maintenance support to the F-16s supplied to Pakistan and this includes periodic upgrades and Lockheed has little to do with it.
