Hyderabad, February 12 - The C-130J Super Hercules, renowned as one of the world's most versatile military transport aircraft, stands on the cusp of a groundbreaking expansion as Lockheed Martin pursues the establishment of its first final assembly line outside the United States in India. This ambitious initiative would mark a historic milestone for the American aerospace giant, shifting part of production for the iconic four-engine turboprop from its longstanding facility in Marietta, Georgia, to an Indian site. Senior executives have indicated that the proposed line would focus on assembling aircraft tailored for the Indian Air Force (IAF), while full-rate global production remains anchored in the US to serve other international customers. The move aligns with India's evolving defense procurement landscape, particularly the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, where the C-130J-30 variant is positioned as a strong contender for enhancing tactical airlift capabilities in diverse terrains.
This potential development builds upon Lockheed Martin's deep-rooted industrial footprint in India, exemplified by the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) joint venture in Hyderabad. Since 2010, TLMAL has served as the sole global supplier of C-130J empennage assemblies, delivering hundreds of these critical tail components that integrate into every new Super Hercules produced worldwide. Recent milestones, including the delivery of the 250th empennage in late 2025, underscore India's growing role in the C-130J supply chain and highlight successful collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). Complementing this, a new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for C-130J operations has progressed, further strengthening sustainment support for the IAF's existing fleet of 12 Super Hercules.
The proposed final assembly line represents a strategic evolution in US-India defense ties, emphasizing technology transfer, local manufacturing, and self-reliance under the Make in India framework. Lockheed Martin envisions a phased approach, with initial deliveries potentially originating from the US before transitioning to in-country assembly if the IAF selects the platform. Such localization would not only reduce costs and lead times for Indian operators but also position India as a key hub in global aerospace production, potentially attracting opportunities for Indian suppliers across the supply chain.
If realized, this historic step would elevate India's aerospace sector, foster deeper strategic partnerships, and affirm the C-130J Super Hercules' enduring legacy as a reliable workhorse for military air mobility. Lockheed Martin's commitment signals confidence in India's manufacturing prowess and shared vision for advanced defense collaboration.