US Ambassador Sergio Gor says Lockheed Martin and Tata are making India a critical C-130J production hub, deepening defence manufacturing and strategic ties…reports India Daily News Desk
India is emerging as a key link in the global production network for the C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft through the expanding partnership between US aerospace giant Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor highlighted the growing role of Indian industry in the global aerospace and defence supply chain after visiting the Lockheed Martin-Tata Advanced Systems facility in Hyderabad on Monday.
During his visit, Gor toured the facility and witnessed aerospace manufacturing operations, describing the experience as a “fantastic visit”.
In a post on X, the US envoy said the partnership was strengthening defence supply chains while contributing to the broader strategic relationship between India and the United States.
“Lockheed Martin’s partnership with Tata is making India a critical link in the global C-130J production network, strengthening defence supply chains and advancing our strategic partnership,” Gor said.
The visit formed part of Gor’s programme in Hyderabad. After arriving in the city, he posted: “Just landed in Hyderabad! Great to be back in this dynamic city!”
The Hyderabad facility is operated by Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL), a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Lockheed Martin Aeroframe Corporation, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation.
The venture was established to develop advanced aerospace manufacturing capabilities in India, with its operations focused primarily on the production and integration of aerostructures for defence aircraft.
TLMAL is the global single-source supplier of empennages, or tail assemblies, for Lockheed Martin’s C-130J and LM-100J aircraft. The facility also manufactures centre wing boxes and other major aerostructures.
The partnership has increasingly moved beyond component manufacturing, with Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems signing a teaming agreement in September 2024 to explore further C-130J opportunities in India.
Under the agreement, the companies are examining the possibility of establishing a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India to support the Indian Air Force’s existing fleet of 12 C-130J aircraft, as well as other Super Hercules operators around the world.
The companies are also exploring the potential expansion of C-130J manufacturing and assembly capabilities in India for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft programme, subject to the necessary approvals.
Lockheed Martin has said it will continue C-130J production at its existing facility in Marietta, Georgia, for the US government and other international customers. Additional production and assembly capacity could be established in India if the company is selected for the MTA programme.
The collaboration reflects Lockheed Martin’s growing engagement with India’s defence manufacturing sector and New Delhi’s efforts to expand domestic production capabilities while integrating Indian companies into global supply chains.
“This teaming agreement between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems 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,” Lockheed Martin executive Rod McLean said when the 2024 agreement was announced.
The partnership is also extending into aircraft maintenance. Tata Advanced Systems is developing a defence MRO facility near Bengaluru airport, which is expected to become India’s first private-sector defence MRO centre for the Lockheed Martin C-130J.
The expanding collaboration is contributing to Telangana’s growing aerospace and defence ecosystem.
In April, TLMAL Managing Director Tim Riffle met Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy in Hyderabad to discuss potential investments and the company’s expanding operations in the state.
The Telangana government said the discussions included Lockheed Martin’s plans for a C-130J Super Hercules Final Assembly Line in India.
Lockheed Martin has also partnered with Tata Advanced Systems for the manufacture of defence aircraft components and is collaborating on the production of F-16 wings in India for global requirements.
The developments come as India and the US seek to deepen cooperation in defence manufacturing, aerospace technology and resilient supply chains.
For India, greater involvement in the C-130J programme represents a significant step beyond traditional defence procurement, potentially positioning Indian manufacturers as long-term contributors to international aircraft production, maintenance and support.
The C-130J Super Hercules is a widely used tactical airlifter operated by several countries, including India. The aircraft is designed for missions including troop transport, cargo delivery, special operations and humanitarian assistance.
