Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has announced the delivery of the 250th C-130J Super Hercules empennage manufactured by Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL), marking a major milestone in the long-running aerospace collaboration between India and the United States. TLMAL, based in Hyderabad, is a joint venture established in 2010 between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Lockheed Martin.
The empennage — which includes the full tail structure along with the horizontal and vertical stabilizers — is vital to flight control and stability and forms a core component of the globally operated C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifter. Each empennage produced at the Hyderabad facility is shipped to Lockheed Martin’s manufacturing site in Marietta, Georgia, where it is integrated into new C-130J aircraft.
“This 250th milestone reflects the strength of our long-standing collaboration with Indian industry and highlights India’s growing role in the worldwide aerospace supply chain,” said Rod McLean, Vice President, Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin. “The quality and reliability of the empennages manufactured here directly support C-130J fleets operated by 23 countries for missions ranging from disaster relief to special operations.”
The partnership has played a meaningful role in advancing India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem through skills development, advanced production techniques, and quality systems aligned with global standards. It also supports India’s drive to increase domestic defense production under national initiatives such as Make in India. The 250th delivery underscores continued industrial cooperation between both nations and reinforces a shared commitment to capability development, innovation, and long-term strategic alignment.
The C-130J-30 offers proven global interoperability, extended range, and lower operating costs while delivering reduced fuel consumption and environmental impact compared to other aircraft in its class. Since the Indian Air Force inducted its first Super Hercules in 2011, the aircraft has demonstrated exceptional versatility, including high-altitude operations, low-visibility missions, and rapid-response humanitarian support.
Today, the global C-130J fleet includes more than 560 aircraft operating across 23 nations with more than 3 million accumulated flight hours. The platform supports a wide range of mission sets including tactical airlift, aerial refueling, search and rescue, medical evacuation, maritime surveillance, peacekeeping, and cargo transport.
Lockheed Martin is a global leader in defense and aerospace technology, pushing the boundaries of innovation to deliver mission-critical solutions. The company is committed to advancing scientific discovery and providing transformative technologies that ensure those it serves stay ahead of emerging challenges.
