Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have announced a significant collaboration to bolster India's defence and aerospace capabilities with the C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifter. This partnership is a major step in reinforcing the strategic alliance between India and the U.S. and involves expanding manufacturing and establishing a maintenance facility in India.
Key Details of the Partnership
Maintenance Facility: The new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility will be established in India to support the Indian Air Force's (IAF) fleet of 12 C-130Js and other global fleets of Super Hercules aircraft.
Manufacturing Expansion: The expansion will focus on increasing C-130J production and assembly in India, aiming to support the IAF's Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, pending approval from both U.S. and Indian governments.
Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems, said, “Collaborating with Lockheed Martin on the C-130J platform for the IAF’s MTA project is a milestone for Tata Advanced Systems. This announcement also marks our entry into the defence MRO sector for large aircraft and deepens our relationship with Lockheed Martin.”
Rod McLean, Vice President and General Manager at Lockheed Martin, said, “The C-130J is known for its global presence and strong international supply chain, including our partnership with Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited. This agreement reflects our commitment to a self-reliant India and the trust we have in our Indian partners.”
About the C-130J Super Hercules
The C-130J-30 Super Hercules has been operational with the IAF since 2011. It is renowned for its performance in high altitudes and severe weather conditions. The aircraft is valued for its interoperability, cost efficiency, and fuel savings. The C-130J fleet, used in 23 countries, performs a variety of missions including search and rescue, combat delivery, and humanitarian aid.
Introduced in 1999, the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules features four turboprop engines and is primarily used as a military transport aircraft. The C-130J upgrade included new engines, a modernized flying deck, and advanced equipment.
A History of Collaboration
Lockheed Martin has been a key supplier of advanced defence technologies to India, including the 12 C-130Js currently in service with the IAF. Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Ltd. (TLMAL), a joint venture with Tata Advanced Systems Limited, has been producing C-130J empennage assemblies since 2010, delivering over 200 assemblies and increasing the use of locally sourced components.
In 2023, the U.S. and India launched INDUS-X and completed a roadmap for US-India Defence Industrial Cooperation, further enhancing bilateral defence collaboration and innovation. This new agreement will significantly boost the Indian Air Force’s capabilities and strengthen the strategic partnership between the U.S. and India in the aerospace sector.
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