Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) have strengthened their longstanding partnership through a new agreement focusing on the C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifter. This collaboration represents a major step forward in bolstering India's defence and aerospace capabilities, while also reinforcing the strategic ties between India and the United States.
The agreement outlines several key areas of future cooperation. One significant element is the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India. This facility will support the Indian Air Force's (IAF) current fleet of 12 C-130Js, as well as other Super Hercules aircraft operated worldwide. This move will enhance India's self-reliance in maintaining its defence assets and contribute to the global network of Super Hercules support facilities.
Another focus of the agreement is the potential expansion of C-130J manufacturing and assembly in India. The IAF is actively seeking up to 80 medium transport aircraft, and Lockheed Martin has responded with its C-130J-30 Super Hercules, which is seen as a strong contender for the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme. If selected, Lockheed Martin plans to establish additional production capacity in India to fulfil the MTA requirements, subject to U.S. and Indian government approvals. Despite this expansion, C-130J production for the U.S. and other global operators will continue at Lockheed Martin's Marietta, Georgia facility.
“Collaborating with Lockheed Martin on the C-130J platform proposition for IAF's MTA project is a milestone for TASL,” said Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and managing director of Tata Advanced Systems. “The current announcement is also significant as it marks the entry of Tata Advanced Systems into the defence MRO space in India for large aircraft platforms. This also helps towards a deeper relationship between the two companies, adding to the aerostructure work by Tata Advanced Systems for Lockheed Martin platforms.”
“The C-130J is known as the world's workhorse, not just for its large global presence, but also for its international supply chain partners including the single source provider of empennages — Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited in Hyderabad,” said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of the Air Mobility and Maritime Missions line of business at Lockheed Martin. “This teaming agreement between Lockheed Martin and TASL further demonstrates Lockheed Martin's commitment to a self-reliant India and the degree of confidence that exists in our relationships with our partners in India and the Indian industry at large.”
Established in 2010, TLMAL has produced more than 220 empennages for the C-130J, a critical component of the aircraft, which are installed on all Super Hercules planes produced in the United States. This partnership is aligned with India's “Make in India” initiative, promoting domestic manufacturing and self-sufficiency in defence capabilities.
