Lockheed Martin Eyes India for C-130J Super Hercules Assembly

6 months ago Editor

Lockheed Martin is planning to establish a C-130J Super Hercules assembly line in India as part of its bid to supply Medium Transport Aircraft to the Indian Air Force, replacing the aging An-32 fleet.

Lockheed Martin, the American defense giant renowned for developing the F-35 and F-22 stealth fighters, is considering setting up an assembly line for the C-130J Super Hercules in India. This move aims to strengthen their bid to supply Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The IAF seeks to replace its fleet of upgraded Russian An-32 transport aircraft, which will reach 44 years of service by 2031-32. Initially, the IAF had planned a joint project with Russia to co-develop new aircraft, but the deal fell through in 2016 due to disagreements over engine and design specifications.

Lockheed Martin’s proposal faces competition from Brazilian firm Embraer Defense & Security, partnered with Mahindra, and European Airbus Defense and Space, offering the A-400M aircraft. Notably, Lockheed Martin has an edge as the C-130J is already in service with the IAF, which operates 12 of these aircraft for tactical airlifting.

Anthony G. Frese, Vice President of Business Development at Lockheed Martin, indicated that the company is exploring options for setting up an assembly line for the C-130J in India. This aligns with the Indian government’s Make in India initiative, aiming to enhance local manufacturing and technology transfer.

Lockheed Martin’s existing joint venture with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) could play a crucial role in this endeavor. The IAF is looking to induct 40-80 new aircraft, each capable of carrying 18 to 30 tonnes of cargo.

The IAF has requested cost estimates for batches of 40, 60, and 80 aircraft from foreign vendors, alongside information on technology transfer and indigenization capabilities. This includes setting up a dedicated manufacturing line in India and potentially establishing the country as a regional or global hub for manufacturing and maintenance.

The ongoing standoff with China has highlighted the importance of military transport aircraft, as evidenced by the deployment of C-17 and C-130Js during the Galwan clash in 2020.

Lockheed Martin’s C-130J competes with Embraer’s C-390 Millennium and Airbus’ A-400M, each offering different capabilities and advantages. The decision on which firm will secure the multi-billion-dollar deal will significantly impact India’s strategic defense interests.