Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have announced a strategic partnership to deepen their collaboration on the C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifter of the Indian Air Force (IAF). This move is a significant boost for India’s defence and aerospace capabilities while also strengthening the strategic ties between India and the United States. The agreement highlights both companies’ commitment to expanding their business relationship, particularly in areas critical to the IAF and the global defence market.


Key Areas of Collaboration
The teaming agreement focuses on two primary areas of cooperation: the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India, and the potential expansion of manufacturing and assembly operations for the C-130J.

Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Facility
A critical part of the agreement is the establishment of an MRO facility in India. This facility will support the Indian Air Force’s existing fleet of 12 C-130Js, as well as service other global Super Hercules fleets. This marks a major step toward strengthening India’s defence ecosystem, allowing the IAF to maintain its operational capabilities more efficiently.

Manufacturing and Assembly for IAF’s MTA Program
The agreement also includes plans to expand C-130J manufacturing and assembly in India, specifically for the IAF’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program. This initiative will be subject to approval from both the U.S. and Indian governments. If Lockheed Martin is awarded the MTA contract, additional production capacity will be established in India.

“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, CEO and Managing Director of TASL. He emphasized that this agreement positions Tata Advanced Systems as a significant player in India’s defence MRO space, enhancing the partnership between the two companies.

Lockheed Martin’s Commitment to India
Rod McLean, Vice President and General Manager of Air Mobility and Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin, echoed this sentiment, saying, “This teaming agreement between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems further demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s commitment to a self-reliant India.”

The IAF is expected to acquire up to 80 medium transport aircraft, and Lockheed Martin’s C-130J-30 Super Hercules is seen as a prime contender for this deal.

Long-Standing Partnership
This new agreement builds on the long-standing partnership between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems. Since the establishment of Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) in 2010, the joint venture has been a crucial component of India’s “Make in India” initiative. TLMAL has manufactured over 220 C-130J empennages, which are included in every Super Hercules aircraft produced in the United States.

The partnership between Lockheed Martin and TASL is expected to continue driving advancements in India’s aerospace sector, further aligning with the nation’s broader goals of indigenization and self-reliance in defence.