Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Lockheed Martin are looking to deepen their long-standing aerospace and defence partnership as India moves ahead with its requirement for a new Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA).
The development came into focus during US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor’s visit to Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) in Hyderabad on August 24. During the visit, Gor toured the facility’s production line for empennages, or tail sections, for the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
The Hyderabad facility is an important part of the Tata-Lockheed Martin manufacturing partnership and serves as the global source for C-130J empennages. The facility also highlights the growing role of Indian aerospace manufacturing in Lockheed Martin’s global supply chain.
Existing capabilities could support MTA programme
Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin said their established manufacturing capabilities and experience in India could potentially support the country’s MTA requirement. The two companies have worked together for more than 15 years, with the partnership developing capabilities in aerostructure manufacturing and supporting the global C-130J programme.
The MTA opportunity could provide a platform for the companies to further expand their existing production capabilities and contribute to India’s defence manufacturing ambitions.
The partnership also fits with the government’s broader Make in India objectives and efforts to strengthen domestic aerospace and defence production.
Expanding beyond aerostructures
The collaboration between the two companies is also moving beyond component manufacturing. Tata Advanced Systems said the partnership has expanded into maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), with an MRO facility planned to open in December 2026. The arrival of aircraft at the facility is expected in spring 2027.
Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems, said the companies are also exploring opportunities to work together on complete aircraft platforms for Make in India, subject to a requirement from the Ministry of Defence.
Both companies are expected to bring their existing engineering, manufacturing and programme capabilities to potential future defence programmes.
Lockheed Martin has also indicated that it is exploring additional opportunities in India covering advanced manufacturing, technology development and production capabilities.
Building India’s aerospace manufacturing base
The C-130J Super Hercules is used for tactical airlift, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and special mission operations. India’s production of C-130J empennages has established the country as an important contributor to the aircraft’s global supply chain.
With the MTA requirement now emerging as a potential new programme, the Tata Advanced Systems-Lockheed Martin partnership could move into a broader phase, combining India’s growing aerospace manufacturing capabilities with Lockheed Martin’s global platform and technology expertise.
For both companies, the opportunity represents a potential extension of a relationship that has already evolved from aerostructure manufacturing into MRO and could eventually include complete aircraft platforms and wider defence manufacturing in India. Look to Expand Make in India Aerospace Capabilities
