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- Lockheed Martin upbeat about it’s candidature for MTA programme
Bangalore. 11 February 2025. At Aero India 2025, Lockheed Martin reinforced its deepening commitment to India’s aerospace and defence sector by showcasing its expanding partnerships, economic contributions, and mission-ready aircraft.
A day prior the show Lockheed Martin’s Kiran Dambala, Director, C-130J Capture Management , met the media over a round table discussion. He reiterated that over the past decade, the company has significantly contributed to India’s defence manufacturing landscape through joint ventures, supplier collaborations, and Make in India initiatives. The C-130J Super Hercules, a vital part of the Indian Air Force’s fleet, remains a shining example of Lockheed Martin’s contributions, with increasing capabilities, operational milestones, and continued support from its global and Indian supply chains,
Kiran Dambala stated, “the economic impact of Lockheed Martin’s presence in India is significant. We’ve had over $700 million of exports from our joint ventures and the Indian suppliers that are engaged in our global supply chain. Right now, as of today, we’ve invested over $100 million in manufacturing capability in our JVs, and there are currently 500 suppliers and more than 140 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises that are feeding into the joint ventures.” Through initiatives like the Supplier Conference, the company fosters indigenous defence industrial growth, integrating Indian enterprises into global defence manufacturing.
He ensured that C-130J Super Hercules remains a critical asset for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Since its induction in 2010, the aircraft has been integral to special operations, humanitarian missions, and high-altitude operations. He informed that in 2024, the IAF achieved several key milestones with the C-130J, including a night landing at a high-altitude airstrip exceeding 8,800 feet in challenging low-visibility conditions when India’s first Night Vision Goggles (NVG)-aided landing at an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in the eastern sector, enhancing nighttime operational capabilities took place.
Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions, playing a pivotal role in transporting supplies and personnel to Ladakh. Participation in Exercise Tarang Shakti, demonstrating interoperability and tactical versatility with multiple global forces have been it’s achievement. These missions reinforce the C-130J’s reliability, adaptability, and critical role in India’s strategic airlift operations, with the IAF pushing the aircraft to its limits in extreme environments.
Kiran exuberated, “ IAF has landed the Super Hurricane on the highest landing strip at BDO, and also they’ve landed the C-130J on a highway in Rajasthan. So what we say here is IAF C-130Js go where other airlifters can’t, don’t, and won’t go. That’s the beauty of IAF C-130Js.”
Lockheed Martin’s joint venture with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TLMAL) in Hyderabad is an example of its Make in India strategy. The facility is the global single-source supplier of C-130J empennages, exporting all units to Marietta, Georgia, for final assembly. With over 239 empennages produced and a 96% indigenization rate, the facility has trained hundreds of Indian aerospace engineers and workers, contributing to the upskilling of India’s defence workforce.
In addition, Lockheed Martin is exploring opportunities to expand C-130J manufacturing and assembly in India as part of the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, subject to approvals from the Indian and U.S. governments. The company’s commitment to localization extends beyond manufacturing, with investments in Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in India.
Lockheed Martin has actively engaged with Indian leadership to strengthen defence collaborations. In July 2024, Lockheed Martin CEO James Taiclet met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss ongoing defence partnerships and future initiatives under the Make in India, for India, and for the world framework.
Lockheed Martin’s partnership with Tata for MRO development was a focal point of discussions. The company confirmed that an MRO facility is being set up in Bengaluru to service C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, ensuring long-term operational support for the IAF. While the facility is still in its early stages, ongoing conversations are solidifying plans for its establishment. The partnership aims to enhance local maintenance capabilities and create opportunities for India to become a regional MRO hub for military transport aircraft.
Discussions touched on India’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, with Lockheed Martin positioning the C-130J as a strong contender. The company awaits the official Request for Proposal (RFP) to define specific requirements, noting that the aircraft fits well within the medium-lift category.
He added that Lockheed Martin’s commitment to India goes beyond defence acquisitions, focusing on industrial partnerships, skill development, and innovation-driven collaborations. The company’s C-130J operations, Make in India initiatives, and MRO investments continue to enhance India’s aerospace capabilities while fostering long-term defence cooperation.
Kiran Dambala reinforced that as India advances toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing, Lockheed Martin remains a steadfast partner, strengthening its role in the country’s strategic growth, technological development, and military readiness. The future of India-U.S. defence cooperation appears poised for continued expansion, with Lockheed Martin at the forefront of supporting India’s vision of an advanced and self-sufficient aerospace industry.
