Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have announced a new teaming agreement aimed at expanding the reach of the C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifter in India. This collaboration is set to strengthen India’s defence capabilities while enhancing India-U.S. strategic ties, particularly in the aerospace sector.
The agreement outlines plans for several key initiatives, including the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India. This facility will support the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) existing fleet of 12 C-130Js and potentially other global Super Hercules fleets. The collaboration also aims to expand C-130J production and assembly in India for the IAF’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, contingent on approvals from the U.S. and Indian governments.
Lockheed Martin will continue to produce C-130Js for the U.S. and international customers at its Georgia-based facility but may establish additional production capacity in India if awarded the MTA contract.
“Collaborating with Lockheed Martin on the C-130J platform proposition for IAF’s MTA project is a milestone for Tata Advanced Systems,” 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.”
Rod McLean, Vice President at Lockheed Martin, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the agreement as an example of Lockheed Martin’s commitment to a self-reliant India. “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,” McLean said.
India’s IAF is seeking to acquire up to 80 medium transport aircraft, and Lockheed Martin has responded to the IAF’s request for information (RFI) by promoting the C-130J-30 Super Hercules as an ideal solution for the nation’s needs. The C-130J-30 is widely regarded for its versatility and reliability in tactical airlift missions. Since the IAF’s first acquisition in 2011, the C-130J-30 has proven its capabilities in extreme environments, including high-altitude operations and challenging weather conditions
The two companies have a longstanding partnership through the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Ltd. joint venture, which was established in 2010. This venture supports India’s “Make in India” initiative and has produced over 220 empennage assemblies for the C-130J, making TLMAL the sole global supplier for this critical component.
