US-India Defence Ties Deepen as Tata-Lockheed Eyes IAF’s 80-Aircraft MTA Deal

US Ambassador Sergio Gor on Monday said India’s production of critical structures for the C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft reflects the growing defence and industrial cooperation between the US and India, while supporting their shared vision for a secure Indo-Pacific.

Gor made the remarks during a visit to the Tata-Lockheed Martin Aerostructures (TLMAL) facility in Hyderabad, where he toured the production line manufacturing empennage assemblies for the C-130J.

Established in 2010, the Tata Advanced Systems-Lockheed Martin joint venture is the single global source of C-130J empennage assemblies fitted on all new Super Hercules aircraft manufactured in the US. The facility represents a significant integration of Indian aerospace manufacturing into the global supply chain.

“The production in India of critical structures for the C-130J… is a strong example of the growing industrial and defence cooperation,” Gor said, highlighting the partnership’s role in creating high-skilled jobs and resilient supply chains.

The collaboration is now expanding as the companies target India’s requirement for up to 80 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) under a multi-billion-dollar procurement programme. The Lockheed Martin C-130J, Embraer C-390 Millennium and Airbus A-400M have emerged as key contenders.

The Indian Air Force currently operates 12 C-130J aircraft, which are used for tactical airlift and specialised missions.

Tata Advanced Systems CEO and Managing Director Sukaran Singh said the partnership had expanded beyond aerostructures and would soon include maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations. The MRO facility is expected to open in December, with aircraft arrivals planned for spring 2027.

Lockheed Martin Vice President Trish Pagan said the partnership had established world-class aerospace manufacturing capabilities supporting C-130J operators globally.

The C-130J is certified across 20 missions and is widely used for tactical airlift, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and special operations. The companies said the MTA opportunity could further deepen India’s role in advanced aerospace manufacturing and strengthen the long-standing US-India defence partnership.