Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems expand C-130J capabilities

Defence

Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems expand C-130J capabilities

Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have entered into a teaming agreement to expand upon the companies' business relationship through the C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifter.

Image PRNewsfoto / Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

This announcement marks a significant step in enhancing India's defence and aerospace capabilities. This agreement provides a framework for collaboration on future potential business opportunities to include:

  • Establishing 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
  • Expanding C-130J manufacturing and assembly in India to produce aircraft for the IAF's Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme, subject to US and Indian government approvals

Lockheed Martin will continue to build C-130Js for the US government and other global operators at the existing Super Hercules production facility in Marietta, Georgia, USA. Lockheed Martin will establish additional production and assembly capacity in India if awarded the MTA contract.

Advertisement
ADS S &P RT

"Collaborating with Lockheed Martin on the C-130J platform proposition for IAF's MTA project is a milestone for Tata Advanced Systems," said Sukaran Singh, chief executive officer and managing director of Tata Advanced Systems. "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. This also helps towards a deeper relationship between the two companies, adding to the aerostructure work by Tata Advanced Systems for Lockheed Martin platforms."

"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," said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of the Air Mobility and Maritime Missions line of business at Lockheed Martin. "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."

Advertisement
ADS S &P RT

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

Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have a long-standing partnership through the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Ltd., (TLMAL) joint venture. Established in 2010, TLMAL exemplifies the government of India's 'Make in India' objectives and has the distinction of being the single global source of C-130J empennage assemblies included on all new Super Hercules aircraft produced in the United States. To date, TLMAL has manufactured more than 220 C-130J empennages.

Advertisement
General Atomics LB General Atomics LB
Vikela expands with new Bangor HQ

Defence Events

Vikela expands with new Bangor HQ

25 November 2024

Northern Ireland based body armour specialist, Vikela, has marked an impressive growth phase with the recent relocation to a larger facility in Bangor.

UK launches LASR at NATO Cyber Defence Conference

Defence Security Events

UK launches LASR at NATO Cyber Defence Conference

25 November 2024

To help the UK stay ahead in the 'new AI arms race' the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, The Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, will today announce the launch of a new Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR), at the NATO Cyber Defence Conference, positioned to protect the UK and its allies against new threats.

British engineers demo UK

Defence

British engineers demo UK's first extra large autonomous sub for military use

25 November 2024

A team of British engineers based in Portsmouth has successfully demonstrated a new type of autonomous submarine, developed specifically for military use, off the south coast of England.

UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry opens Rolls-Royce office in Glasgow

Defence Events

UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry opens Rolls-Royce office in Glasgow

22 November 2024

Rolls-Royce Submarines today celebrated the opening of a new office in Glasgow by the Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, creating over 100 new jobs in the region.

Advertisement
ODU RT 2
Cohort acquires EM Solutions

Defence Space

Cohort acquires EM Solutions

22 November 2024

Independent technology group, Cohort plc, has strengthened its naval defence sector offer with the acquisition of EM Solutions, an Australian developer and producer of high-end satellite communication terminals for global navy and defence customers.

DE&S wins coveted Public Sector Organisation of the Year Award

Defence Events

DE&S wins coveted Public Sector Organisation of the Year Award

21 November 2024

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) fought off strong competition to be named as the winner of the coveted Public Sector Organisation of the Year category at the annual Association for Project Management (APM) Awards 2024.

Advertisement
ODU RT 2