Lockheed Martin, a global defence leader, recently concluded its 10th annual India Suppliers Conference in Bengaluru, marking another step in its commitment to expanding partnerships within India’s defence manufacturing sector. The event, which showcased the growing collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Indian companies, was attended by nearly 50 firms, ranging from large corporations to MSMEs and start-ups, all eager to display their capabilities.
The conference, inaugurated by Priyank Mallikarjun Kharge, Karnataka’s Minister for Information Technology and Biotechnology, highlighted the state’s pivotal role in promoting self-reliance through manufacturing. Kharge emphasized Karnataka’s contribution to the “local for global” initiative, underscoring its ambition to lead in the aerospace and defense sectors. With 40% of India’s aerospace startups located in the state, Karnataka aims to become a global hub in the industry. Christopher W. Hodges, Consul General of the United States in Chennai, echoed this sentiment, noting that a partnership-driven approach would deepen strategic ties between India and the U.S.
Lockheed Martin’s India Country Head, Michael Fernandez, reiterated the company’s commitment to the Indian defense ecosystem. “Aligned with the Government of India’s vision of ‘Make in India, Make for the World,’ our focus is on identifying industrial partners that can meet the needs of not just the Indian armed forces but also Lockheed Martin’s global supply chain,” Fernandez stated. His remarks underscored Lockheed’s long-term strategy of not only fostering innovation but also opening global markets to Indian companies.
A major highlight of the conference was the recognition of two Indian firms for their exemplary contributions to Lockheed Martin’s global projects. Rossell India Limited received accolades from Lockheed’s Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) Global Supply Chain Organization for its on-time support and dedication to engineering changes crucial to the MH-60R program. Veer-O-Metals, another Indian manufacturer, was also acknowledged for its exceptional responsiveness and customer-focused approach, which significantly contributed to the success of the same program.
The two-day event saw more than 120 delegates attending, with over 70 business-to-business meetings held between Indian and international companies, including GE Aerospace, Honeywell, and Pratt & Whitney. These meetings aimed to explore new avenues for collaboration and partnership.
Following the conference, Lockheed Martin’s supply chain teams visited about 20 suppliers across India, further assessing capabilities and exploring opportunities for strategic alliances. As Lockheed continues to expand its footprint in India, the strengthening of these partnerships signals a growing alignment with India’s defense manufacturing ambitions, paving the way for future collaborations in both domestic and international markets.