Lockheed Martin will team with Tata Advanced Systems Limited to advance the development of the C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifter in India.
The agreement supports New Delhi’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program “while also deepening India-US strategic ties,” the American aerospace giant said.
It also outlines a framework to collaborate on future potential business opportunities, including the launch of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility to support the Indian Air Force’s fleet of 12 C-130Js in addition to other global Super Hercules fleets as well as expanding C-130J manufacturing and assembly in India.
The IAF seeks to purchase up to 80 medium transport aircraft, issuing a request for information last year. Lockheed Martin responded to the request by offering its C-130J-30 Super Hercules.
“Collaborating with Lockheed Martin on the C-130J platform proposition for IAF’s MTA project is a milestone for Tata Advanced Systems,” Tata Advanced Systems’ Sukaran Singh said.
“The current announcement is also significant as it marks the entry of Tata Advanced Systems into the defence [maintenance, repair, and overhaul] space in India for large aircraft platforms.”
Lockheed VP of Air Mobility and Maritime Missions Rod McLean added that teaming “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.”
About the C-130J-30
Lockheed Martin’s C-130J-30 is a military transport aircraft equipped with four turboprop engines.
It has a payload capacity of 44,000 pounds (19,958 kilograms), enough to carry up to 124 fully-equipped soldiers.
The tactical airlifter possesses a maximum speed of 410 miles (659 kilometers) per hour and an operational range of 1,700 nautical miles (3,148 kilometers).
According to the company, the “unmatched” capabilities of its Super Hercules fleet have made it an in-demand aircraft with over 2,500 deliveries worldwide.
It has surpassed more than three million flight hours across 63 nations.
“Always evolving, continually innovating, and ready for what’s next, the Super Hercules leads the charge by setting standards and shaping the future of tactical airlift missions,” the company stated.
