Lockheed Martin intends to offer the Indian Navy the F-35 strike fighter. The Press Trust of India reported Monday that Lockheed will respond to the Indian Navy’s request for information on a carrier-based combat aircraft by proposing the F-35. It cited Lockheed vice president Orville Prins as saying in New Delhi that the company had already given presentations to the Indians on both the F-35B short-takeoff variant and the F-35C, which is optimized for large-deck carrier operations. The Indian Navy is expected to acquire a new aircraft carrier around 2015, and may procure another one after that, according to the news service. The F-35C made its first flight on June 6.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
