Lockheed Martin and Tata partnership strengthens India's role in global C-130J production

US Ambassador Sergio Gor visited the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) facility in Hyderabad to observe advanced aerospace manufacturing operations. The joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Lockheed Martin serves as the global single-source supplier of empennages for the C-130J and LM-100J aircraft.

Gor noted that the partnership makes India a critical link in the global C-130J production network, strengthening defense supply chains and advancing US-India strategic cooperation. This visit coincides with the Indian government's recent request for proposal for 60 medium transport aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force.

The MTA project involves a competition among several Indian firms, including the Tata Group, Mahindra Defence, Adani Defence, and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, each requiring a foreign original equipment manufacturer partner. Under the proposed framework, 12 aircraft would be acquired in flyaway condition, while 48 would be manufactured in India with indigenous content increasing from 40% to 60%.