Tata, Lockheed Martin to manufacture C-130J Super Hercules in India
Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have forged a new partnership aimed at bolstering India's defense and aerospace capabilities. The collaboration will focus on the production of the C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifter, a move that signifies a major advancement in India-US strategic relations. The agreement also includes plans for expanding manufacturing and establishing a maintenance facility on Indian soil.
New maintenance facility and manufacturing expansion
The partnership between Lockheed Martin and TASL will see the establishment of a new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India. This facility is designed to support the Indian Air Force's existing fleet of 12 C-130Js, as well as other global fleets of Super Hercules aircraft. Additionally, there are plans to expand C-130J production and assembly in India for the IAF's Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program.
Tata Advanced Systems hails partnership as a milestone
Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of TASL, has hailed the collaboration with Lockheed Martin as a significant achievement for his company. He stated that this partnership marks their entry into the defense MRO space for large aircraft platforms and strengthens their relationship with Lockheed Martin. Rod McLean, Vice President and General Manager at Lockheed Martin, echoed these sentiments by expressing his commitment to a self-reliant India and confidence in Indian partners.
C-130J Super Hercules: A symbol of global presence
The C-130J Super Hercules has been serving the Indian Air Force since 2011, demonstrating its capabilities in high-altitude operations and severe weather conditions. The aircraft is renowned for its cost efficiency, fuel savings, and interoperability. It currently operates in 23 countries worldwide, supporting a variety of missions including search and rescue, combat delivery, and humanitarian response.
Lockheed Martin's contribution to India's defense sector
Lockheed Martin has been a key contributor to India's defense sector, providing advanced technologies including the 12 C-130Js used by the Indian Air Force. In collaboration with TASL, they have established Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Ltd. (TLMAL) in Hyderabad as the sole global source of C-130J empennage assemblies since 2010. TLMAL has delivered over 200 empennages and increased the use of locally sourced components.
