RT team
Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have forged a new teaming agreement to broaden their collaboration through the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, enhancing both India’s defense capabilities and the strategic relationship between India and the U.S.
The partnership outlines several key initiatives:
- The creation of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India to service the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fleet of 12 C-130Js and potentially other international fleets.
- Plans to expand C-130J manufacturing in India, aimed at supporting the IAF’s Medium Transport Aircraft program, contingent on approval from both U.S. and Indian governments.
While Lockheed Martin will continue its existing production at the Marietta, Georgia facility in the USA, the agreement also anticipates additional assembly capacity in India if the MTA project proceeds.
Sukaran Singh, CEO of Tata Advanced Systems, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, particularly as it marks Tata’s entry into the defense MRO space for large aircraft in India, and strengthens the partnership with Lockheed Martin.
Rod McLean, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President, highlighted the C-130J’s global role and the strategic importance of this agreement in supporting India’s self-reliance in defense capabilities.
The announcement coincides with the IAF’s ongoing efforts to procure up to 80 medium transport aircraft, for which Lockheed has proposed the C-130J-30 Super Hercules, given its proven capabilities and fit for the IAF’s requirements.
This partnership builds on the successful Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Ltd. joint venture, which is a key player in the global supply chain for the C-130J, exemplifying India’s “Make in India” initiative by being the sole producer of C-130J empennages.
Source: news.lockheedmartin.com
