Lockheed Martin Strengthens Collaboration With Tata To Produce Transport Aircraft Locally, Will Deepen India-US Ties

Lockheed Martin, the US-based aerospace giant, and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have announced a 'teaming agreement' to strengthen their existing business partnership centered on the C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifter.

Lockheed Martin and Tata already collaborate through their joint venture, Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited, which operates a facility in Hyderabad that manufactures components for the C-130J, contributing to the aircraft’s global supply chain.

As per Lockheed Martin, this is a significant step in enhancing India's defence and aerospace capabilities while also deepening India-US strategic ties. The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates a fleet of 12 C-130J aircraft.

The agreement establishes a framework for future collaboration, focusing on two key areas. First, it aims to set up a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in India to service the IAF's current fleet of 12 C-130Js, as well as aircraft from other nations.

Second, the partnership seeks to expand manufacturing and assembly operations in India to support the IAF's Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, potentially producing aircraft locally.

These initiatives are contingent upon approvals from both the US and Indian governments, according to Lockheed Martin. However, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of TASL Sukaran Singh considers it a "milestone."

Lockheed Martin will continue producing C-130Js for the US government and global operators in 23 countries at its Super Hercules facility in Marietta, Georgia. However, if awarded the MTA contract, the company plans to establish additional production capacity in India.

The IAF is currently pursuing the acquisition of up to 80 medium transport aircraft and issued a request for information (RFI) last year, to which Lockheed Martin responded by offering the C-130J.