red state rebate
Sale of Jets Fills Strategic Need-
For US Company
For US Company
The recent decision of the Bush
administration to resume sales of
F-16 fighter aircraft to Pakistan
was met with official protests
from the Indian government,
private warnings from moderate
allies, and rebukes from
Congressional committees.
Concern was expressed that the
resumption of sales of
the jets, suspended in 1990 by the
George H W Bush administration,
might disrupt the delicate balance
of power in one of the world's
most volatile regions
But the move drew strong
support in Fort Worth, Texas,
home to the Lockheed Martin
plant that manufactures
administration to resume sales of
F-16 fighter aircraft to Pakistan
was met with official protests
from the Indian government,
private warnings from moderate
allies, and rebukes from
Congressional committees.
Concern was expressed that the
resumption of sales of
the jets, suspended in 1990 by the
George H W Bush administration,
might disrupt the delicate balance
of power in one of the world's
most volatile regions
But the move drew strong
support in Fort Worth, Texas,
home to the Lockheed Martin
plant that manufactures
the F-16. Because the US Air
Force is phasing out the F-16, the
company needs new orders to
maintain production levels. The
plant has cut over 15 percent of
its workforce since 2003.
It continues to build F-16's for
Chile, Poland, Israel, and the
United Arab Emirates.
Defense aircraft industry analysts
immediately highlighted the
opportunity to supply India with
new F-16's, in an effort to restore
strategic balance to the area.
Lockheed Martin reported $35.5
billion in sales for 2004, with
pending orders worth
more than $74 billion.
Force is phasing out the F-16, the
company needs new orders to
maintain production levels. The
plant has cut over 15 percent of
its workforce since 2003.
It continues to build F-16's for
Chile, Poland, Israel, and the
United Arab Emirates.
Defense aircraft industry analysts
immediately highlighted the
opportunity to supply India with
new F-16's, in an effort to restore
strategic balance to the area.
Lockheed Martin reported $35.5
billion in sales for 2004, with
pending orders worth
more than $74 billion.
redstateupdate.net