Lockheed Martin, a major US defense firm, and Tata Advanced Systems have signed a partnership agreement to strengthen their collaboration on the C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifter project in India. This agreement, announced on Tuesday, is expected to enhance India’s defense and aerospace capabilities, following the recent visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to the US.
The two companies have outlined a framework for future cooperation on business opportunities, which includes establishing a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India. This facility would support both the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fleet of 12 C-130J aircraft and other global Super Hercules operators.
Additionally, the agreement sets the stage for expanding the production and assembly of the C-130J in India. This could lead to the manufacture of aircraft for the IAF’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, pending necessary approvals.
The IAF has expressed interest in acquiring up to 80 MTA aircraft and issued a request for information (RFI) last year. Lockheed Martin responded, proposing the C-130J-30 Super Hercules as a suitable option for the program. If awarded the contract, Lockheed Martin will establish production and assembly capabilities in India, complementing its existing facility in Marietta, Georgia, USA.
Tata Advanced Systems CEO and Managing Director Sukaran Singh hailed the partnership as a significant step forward, stating, “Collaborating with Lockheed Martin on the C-130J platform for IAF’s MTA project is a major milestone for Tata Advanced Systems.” He also noted that this marks Tata’s entry into the defense MRO sector for large aircraft platforms.
The C-130J Super Hercules, a tactical airlift aircraft and the latest variant of the C-130 Hercules, is widely used by 26 operators in 22 countries. The IAF currently operates 12 C-130Js. Tata and Lockheed Martin have been working together through their joint venture, Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Ltd (TLMAL), since its establishment in 2010.
