New Delhi: India is set to take a major leap in the defence manufacturing sector, with plans to assemble C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft domestically. American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin is considering establishing a final assembly line in India, marking the first time this aircraft will be produced outside the United States. The facility could also evolve into a global manufacturing hub for the C-130J.
Boost for India’s Defence Industry
Rob Toth, Vice President of Strategy Development, Air Mobility and Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin, said:
“We will establish a second final assembly line for C-130J aircraft in India under the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program for the Indian Air Force. Production at our Marietta, Georgia facility will continue for other global customers. This initiative will strengthen India’s aerospace and defence industry, enhance the global supply chain, and allow us to ramp up production during regional or global security crises.”
He added, “Under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) mission, future C-130J aircraft produced in India will be ‘Made in India, For India, and potentially for the world’.”
Indian Air Force Plans and Strategic Need
In December 2022, the Indian Air Force issued a Request for Information (RFI) to acquire approximately 80 Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA). These aircraft will replace aging Soviet-era AN-32 and IL-76 planes. Lockheed Martin is expected to compete with Airbus A400M and Embraer C-390 aircraft for the contract.
Current Fleet and Strategic Advantage
At present, the IAF operates a dozen C-130J aircraft, with six delivered in 2011 and the remaining six in 2017. Known for their capability to transport troops and heavy cargo to austere and remote locations, these planes are a key asset for India’s strategic mobility.
Domestic production of the C-130J will not only enhance the operational readiness of the IAF but also position India as a major defence exporter, supporting the Make in India initiative and strengthening the country’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
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