Lockheed Martin partners with Tata to make C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in India

A US Air Force Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules aircraft at the Le Bourget airport near Paris. (Reuters file photo)

US-based defence major Lockheed Martin has partnered with Tata Advanced Systems Ltd to expand their engagement through the C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifter project.

The announcement made on September 10 came weeks after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh travelled to the United States and both nations agreed to boost defence ties.

Under the agreement, a framework will be provided for collaboration on future potential business opportunities that include setting up a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in India to support the Indian Air Force's existing fleet of 12 C-130Js as well as other global Super Hercules fleets.

Further, subject to the US government and Government of India approvals, there will be provisions for expanding C-130J manufacturing and assembly in India as well to make aircraft for the IAF's Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme, the Tata Advanced Systems said.

If the MTA contract gets awarded to Lockheed Martin, it will establish additional production and assembly capacity in India.

“Collaborating with Lockheed Martin on the C-130J platform proposition for IAF's MTA project is a milestone for Tata Advanced Systems,” Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems, said.

"The current announcement is also significant as it marks the entry of Tata Advanced Systems into the defence MRO space in India for large aircraft platforms," he said.

The IAF is actively looking to acquire up to 80 medium transport aircraft and had last year, issued a request for information (RFI) or initial tender. Lockheed Martin responded to the RFI as the C-130J-30 Super Hercules is ideally suited to meet the requirements.

The C-130J Super Hercules is a tactical airlift aircraft providing a unique mix of versatility and performance to complete any mission. It is the current variant of the C-130 Hercules and is the airlifter of choice for 26 operators in 22 nations. The IAF operates a fleet of 12 C-130Js.

"The C-130J is known as the world's workhorse, not just for its large global presence, but also for its international supply chain partners, including the single source provider of empennages -- Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited in Hyderabad," Rod McLean, Vice President and General Manager of the Air Mobility and Maritime Missions line of business at Lockheed Martin, said.

"This teaming agreement between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems further demonstrates Lockheed Martin's commitment to a self-reliant India and the degree of confidence that exists in our relationships with our partners in India and the Indian industry at large," he added.

Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd have a long-standing partnership through the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Ltd (TLMAL) joint venture.

TLMAL was set up in 2010 and has manufactured over 220 C-130J empennages till date, the Tata Advance Systems said.

(With PTI inputs)