India's defense capabilities receive a boost as Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems team up to expand the C-130J Super Hercules program. The partnership includes plans for a new MRO facility and potential manufacturing expansion.
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| Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems announce plans to expand their C-130J Super Hercules partnership in India, including establishing a new MRO facility and potentially manufacturing aircraft for the Indian Air Force's MTA program. Image Courtesy: Tata |
Delhi, India - September 10, 2024:
In a significant step towards strengthening India's defense capabilities, Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have announced a teaming agreement to expand their collaboration on the C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifter. This partnership aims to support India's Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program and establish a new maintenance facility in the country.
The agreement outlines several key areas of cooperation. First, it will explore the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India to support the Indian Air Force's (IAF) existing fleet of 12 C-130Js as well as other global Super Hercules fleets. This facility would provide vital maintenance services, ensuring the continued operational readiness of these aircraft.
Second, the partnership will examine the possibility of expanding C-130J manufacturing and assembly in India to produce aircraft for the IAF's MTA program. Subject to government approvals, this initiative could significantly boost India's domestic defense manufacturing capabilities and reduce its reliance on foreign imports.
Lockheed Martin will continue to produce C-130Js for the U.S. government and other global operators at its existing facility in Marietta, Georgia. However, if awarded the MTA contract, the company will establish additional production and assembly capacity in India.
Sukaran Singh, CEO of Tata Advanced Systems, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating that it marks a milestone for the company's entry into the defense MRO space in India for large aircraft platforms. He also highlighted the deeper relationship between the two companies, which extends beyond the C-130J program to include aerostructure work for other Lockheed Martin platforms.
Rod McLean, vice president at Lockheed Martin, praised the C-130J's global presence and its international supply chain, including the single-source provider of empennages from Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited in Hyderabad. He emphasized Lockheed Martin's commitment to a self-reliant India and the strong relationship with its partners in the country.
The IAF is actively seeking to acquire up to 80 medium transport aircraft to meet its growing operational requirements. The C-130J-30 Super Hercules, with its versatility and proven performance, is well-suited to fulfill these needs.
The partnership between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems builds upon their existing collaboration through the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Ltd. (TLMAL) joint venture. Established in 2010, TLMAL has been a key contributor to the C-130J program, manufacturing over 220 empennage assemblies.