SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant endorsement of India’s growing defence manufacturing ecosystem, Lockheed Martin, the American aerospace and defence giant, has highlighted the country’s remarkable progress in producing critical components for its C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. According to a recent statement, 96% of the wings for the C-130J, a versatile tactical airlifter used by the Indian Air Force (IAF), are now manufactured in India. This milestone underscores India’s emergence as a key player in global defence supply chains and aligns with the government’s “Make in India” initiative.
The achievement is a result of Lockheed Martin’s collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), its Indian partner based in Hyderabad. The Tata-Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) facility has been instrumental in producing complex aerospace components, including the C-130J wings. Since the partnership began, the facility has progressively localized production, reducing reliance on imported components and enhancing India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The C-130J Super Hercules is a critical asset for the IAF, used for a range of missions, including troop transport, disaster relief, and humanitarian aid. India operates a fleet of 12 C-130Js, and the localization of wing production not only strengthens operational readiness but also creates opportunities for Indian engineers and technicians to work on cutting-edge aerospace technologies.
Lockheed Martin’s announcement comes at a time when India is actively positioning itself as a hub for defence manufacturing. The company’s decision to produce 96% of C-130J wings in India reflects confidence in the country’s skilled workforce, advanced infrastructure, and supportive policy environment. The TLMAL facility, established in 2010, has evolved into a center of excellence, contributing not only to India’s defence needs but also to Lockheed Martin’s global supply chain.
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