Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Lockheed Martin plan to grow the aerospace and defence collaboration amid India moving forward with the release of its Medium Transport Aircraft requirement. The development was featured during a visit to Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) located in Hyderabad by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor on August 24.
C-130J production paves way for MTA cooperation:
As part of the visit, Gor visited the TLMAL production line for empennages of the C-130J Super Hercules. The Hyderabad plant belongs to the long-term manufacturing collaboration of the companies and contributes to the integration of Indian aerospace production into the international C-130J manufacturing process.
The companies noted that their manufacturing capacity and experience can contribute to the requirements in connection with the Medium Transport Aircraft program. According to Lockheed Martin, the joint venture has invested in the partnership with the Indian industry for more than 15 years and now the MTA program can provide an expansion of both the partnership and production capacity.
Moreover, the collaboration also aligns with the objectives of defence modernisation and Make in India program. According to Tata Advanced Systems, the collaboration has expanded from the aerostructures production to maintenance, repair, and overhaul with the establishment of the MRO facility scheduled in December 2026. Arrival of the aircraft is scheduled for spring 2027.
Expansion towards platforms and MRO:
“Sukaran Singh, chief executive officer and managing director, Tata Advanced Systems, said that apart from this agreement, both companies were also looking at working together on entire platforms for Make in India, contingent upon an opportunity from the Ministry of Defence. Both companies will leverage their existing strengths and bring it to the Ministry,” he added.
Lockheed Martin said that through its collaboration with the Indian industry, it has been able to develop aerospace manufacturing capabilities which help C-130J operators worldwide.
The C-130J Super Hercules aircraft is used for tactical airlift, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. India’s participation in manufacturing the C-130J empennages is a recognized contribution to the global supply chain of the aircraft.
The MTA requirement provides a potential platform for Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems to take forward their existing industrial relationship in aerostructures manufacturing and MRO into a possible platform level cooperation.
