U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, visited the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) facility in Hyderabad, Telangana, highlighting the commitment to industrial development and reinforcing the deepening strategic partnership and shared commitment to aerospace and defence industrial cooperation in India. The proven partnership between Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin is stronger than ever and enters a new phase as the team works to fulfill the recently released Medium Transport Aircraft requirement and continues to grow India’s aerospace and defence ecosystem. During the visit, the Ambassador toured the production line that manufactures empennages for the C-130J Super Hercules. The Hyderabad plant is emblematic of the critical role Indian industry plays in supporting the world’s most versatile and proven airlifter.
The joint venture reflects an existing, established, and proven ability to produce and scale production to meet MTA competition requirements. The visit highlighted the longstanding collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited and the companies’ shared commitment to expanding advanced aerospace manufacturing capabilities in India in support of the country’s defense modernization and “Make in India” initiatives. “The decades-long economic partnership between the United States and India continues to grow stronger through innovation, shared security interests, and economic cooperation,” said Sergio Gor, U.S. Ambassador to India. “The production in India of critical structures for the C-130J, a platform operated by both our nations, is a strong example of the growing industrial and defense cooperation between the United States and India. Partnerships like these support high-skilled jobs, strengthen resilient supply chains, and advance our shared vision for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.”
Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems Limited said, “Tata Advanced Systems’ partnership with Lockheed Martin has proven over time to supply world-class aerostructures for their key programmes including the C-130J. This partnership has now extended to MRO, which will be operational soon. Additionally, both parties are expanding cooperation on full platforms for Make in India, should we get the opportunity. Both sides will bring their existing world class capabilities to support the MoD.” The Tata Advanced Systems’ MRO opening is planned for December of this year with aircraft arrival slated for Spring 2027. “Through our collaboration with Indian industry, we have established world-class aerospace manufacturing capabilities that directly support the global network of C-130J operators,” said Trish Pagan, vice president, Air Mobility and Maritime Missions. “We remain committed to supporting India’s aerospace vision and exploring opportunities to further expand advanced manufacturing, technology, and production capabilities in-country while delivering proven solutions worldwide. While others look to replicate, we demonstrate a proven capability and decades of results.”
Certified across 20 missions, the C-130J Super Hercules serves militaries around the globe and has become a cornerstone of tactical airlift operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and special mission operations. India’s contribution to the program through the production of C-130J empennages reflects an existing integration of Indian industry into the global aerospace supply chain and the enduring strength of the U.S.-India defense partnership. “We have invested significantly in our joint venture partnership for 15-plus years, and this Medium Transport Aircraft opportunity extends and strengthens an already established and proven relationship and capability,” said Pagan. “We’re excited for what’s next.”