Lockheed-Tata makes India key C-130J link: Gor
US Ambassador Sergio Gor visited Lockheed Martin's Tata Advanced Systems facility in Hyderabad on Monday, noting the facility's crucial role in global C-130J production. Gor described his visit as "fantastic" and highlighted the partnership between the US company and Tata as strengthening India's position in the global aerospace and defence supply chain.
The joint venture, Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL), primarily focuses on producing and integrating aerostructures for defence aircraft, including the C-130J and LM-100J aircraft. TLMAL is the exclusive supplier of empennages for these aircraft to Lockheed Martin, as well as the centre wing box and other major aerostructures.
In September 2024, Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems announced a teaming agreement to explore additional C-130J opportunities in India, including the potential establishment of a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility to support the Indian Air Force's existing fleet of C-130J aircraft. The collaboration also extends to aircraft maintenance, with Tata Advanced Systems developing a defence MRO facility near Bengaluru airport, expected to become India's first private-sector defence MRO centre for the Lockheed Martin C-130J.
The partnership is contributing to Telangana's growing aerospace and defence ecosystem, with discussions held in April between Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Managing Director Tim Riffle and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy regarding potential investments and the company's expanding operations in the state.
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