As India gears up to procure a new fleet of tactical airlift aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), Lockheed Martin is positioning its C-130J Super Hercules as the "best" choice, highlighting its proven reliability and versatility. The company is also proposing to establish a co-production facility in India, marking the first such global hub outside the United States.
Lockheed Martin's pitch comes as the IAF seeks to replace its aging Soviet-era AN-32 and IL-76 aircraft with up to 80 medium transport aircraft. The multi-billion dollar procurement is expected to be reviewed by the Defence Acquisition Council in the near future. The C-130J Super Hercules is competing against other platforms, including Embraer's KC-390 Millennium and Airbus Defence and Space's A-400M.
Lockheed Martin emphasizes the C-130J's track record with the IAF, which currently operates 12 of these aircraft. Robert Toth, Vice President at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, stated that the IAF has proven the C-130J is the right platform for India over the last 15 years. He also noted the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program provides an opportunity to enhance India's industrial base. The company aims to not only provide critical capabilities but also further develop the aerospace sector within India.
The proposed co-production facility is contingent upon Lockheed Martin winning the MTA contract. The company has partnered with Tata Advanced Systems to bid for the C-130J Super Hercules program. This partnership aligns with the Indian government's "Make in India" initiative, with Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) already producing C-130J empennages in Hyderabad. These empennages are then shipped to the US for integration into new Super Hercules aircraft. TLMAL recently celebrated the delivery of its 250th C-130J tail. Furthermore, 96% of the C-130J aircraft wing is now manufactured in India.
In addition to the co-production facility, Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems are collaborating on establishing a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Bengaluru to support the IAF's C-130Js and other global Super Hercules fleets. Construction of the MRO is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with the first C-130 slated for MRO operations in early 2027.
Lockheed Martin highlights the C-130J's versatility, noting its ability to support a variety of missions, including cargo delivery, humanitarian aid, and regional military activities. The IAF's C-130J fleet is equipped with advanced features such as an Infrared Detection Set, enabling precision low-level flying, airdrops, and landing in blackout conditions. The aircraft also has self-protection systems and air-to-air receiver refueling capability for extended range operations.
The IAF's need for new transport aircraft is driven by the declining serviceability of its existing AN-32 fleet, which is hampering its ability to rapidly deploy troops and equipment. The MTA program aims to fill a crucial payload gap between 18 and 30 tonnes, enhancing logistics for military operations and HADR missions. The Request for Proposal (RFP) for the MTA is expected to mandate a minimum of 50-60% indigenous content, emphasizing technology transfer and local manufacturing.
