Tata-Lockheed Martin joint venture eyes India’s 80-aircraft transport deal, a major step that US Ambassador Sergio Gor visited in person. Gor toured the manufacturing facility in Hyderabad where empennages for the C-130J Super Hercules are being built. He highlighted the production of critical structures as an example of the growing defense and industrial partnership between the two nations.
Manufacturing the Super Hercules in Hyderabad
Established in 2010, the joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin supports India’s Make in India objectives. The facility is the single global source of C-130J empennage assemblies fitted on all new Super Hercules aircraft produced in the US.
Gor said the production of C-130J structures in India reflects the growing industrial and defense cooperation. He noted that such partnerships support high-skilled employment, strengthen supply chains, and contribute to maintaining a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.
This push for full platform manufacturing marks a distinct evolution from the initial “Make in India” efforts, which typically focused on sub-assemblies like landing gear or empennages before moving to complete airframes. Historically, automating a full production line from scratch takes years of trial and error, shifting the risk profile from local vendors to global partners.
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The Race for 80 New Transport Aircraft
The partnership is now seeking to participate in India’s requirement for around 80 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA). This multi-billion-dollar procurement program has two main competitors right now: Embraer Defense and Security’s C-390 Millennium and Airbus Defence and Space’s A-400M.
The Indian Air Force currently operates 12 C-130J aircraft. The service issued a request for information for the acquisition of up to 80 Medium Transport Aircraft in 2023.
Sukaran Singh, CEO and MD of Tata Advanced Systems, said the partnership has established a proven capability to manufacture aerostructures. He added that the collaboration has expanded into maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).
The MRO facility is expected to become operational in December this year, and aircraft arrivals was planned for spring 2027. This timeline suggests a significant ramp-up in local activity over the coming years.
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Trish Pagan, vice president of Air Mobility at Lockheed Martin, said collaboration with Indian industry has helped establish aerospace manufacturing capabilities. She added that the company will continue exploring opportunities to expand advanced manufacturing and production capabilities in India.
The C-130J is certified for 20 missions and is used globally for tactical airlift. India’s role in the supply chain is now significant enough to be mentioned in official diplomatic remarks regarding the Indo-Pacific.
TLMAL said the Hyderabad facility demonstrates the role of Indian industry in supporting C-130J production. The joint venture has invested in the project for more than 15 years, hoping the MTA opportunity will build on existing capabilities.
Lockheed Martin noted that the companies are exploring opportunities to expand cooperation on complete aircraft platforms under the Make in India program, subject to the outcome of the MTA procurement. The deal could finally allow India to build the aircraft itself, rather than just the parts.
