Lockheed Martin and Tata Strengthen Collaboration for C-130J Super Hercules Production in India.

Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have announced a new partnership agreement to strengthen their collaboration on the C-130J Super Hercules tactical aircraft program. This development marks a significant step in enhancing India's defense capabilities and deepening the strategic relationship between India and the United States.
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It opens the possibility of expanding C-130J manufacturing in India to support the IAF’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, pending approval from both U.S. and Indian governments (Picture source: LockheedMartin)

The agreement includes 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. Additionally, it opens the possibility of expanding C-130J manufacturing in India to support the IAF’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, pending approval from both U.S. and Indian governments.

Lockheed Martin will continue to produce C-130Js for the U.S. government and other international operators at its existing facility in Marietta, Georgia. However, if Lockheed Martin wins the MTA contract, additional production and assembly lines will be set up in India, significantly enhancing the country’s defense production capabilities. Tata Advanced Systems, through its subsidiary Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL), has been manufacturing empennages for the C-130J since 2010, contributing to India's defense production base. To date, more than 220 empennages have been produced, in line with the Indian government’s "Make in India" initiative.

The C-130J Super Hercules, widely recognized as one of the most versatile and reliable military transport aircraft, is currently in service with 27 operators across 23 countries, accumulating over 3 million flight hours. The aircraft’s ability to perform a wide range of missions, from search and rescue to humanitarian operations and combat transport, makes it a key asset for air forces around the world.

The C-130J Super Hercules, produced by Lockheed Martin, is a tactical transport aircraft designed for a wide range of missions, including transport, combat delivery, and humanitarian operations. Production of the C-130J began in the mid-1990s, and it entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 1999. Since then, the aircraft has been adopted by over 27 operators in 23 countries, with more than 545 units in service globally. The C-130J builds on the legacy of its Hercules predecessors by incorporating advanced avionics, a digital cockpit, and improved fuel efficiency, reducing its operating costs and carbon footprint.

Capable of fulfilling various roles, the C-130J can operate in challenging environments, such as remote airstrips, unpaved runways, and high-altitude regions. It has a maximum payload capacity of approximately 20 tons and can transport troops, vehicles, and supplies over distances of up to 3,000 miles. The aircraft’s versatility extends to roles such as medical evacuation, search and rescue, aerial refueling, and more, making it an essential asset for air forces worldwide. With proven reliability, the C-130J is regarded as one of the most versatile and durable tactical transport aircraft in modern military aviation.

The collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems further strengthens the defense partnership between India and the United States, while advancing India’s ambitions for self-reliance in defense production. As the Indian Air Force seeks to acquire up to 80 new medium transport aircraft, the C-130J Super Hercules is positioned as a strong contender to meet these requirements.