Lockheed Martin has received the 250th tail component for the C-130J Super Hercules from Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures, highlighting a significant milestone in the India-US aerospace partnership.
Lockheed Martin, a leading aerospace company based in the United States, has marked a significant milestone in its collaboration with India by taking delivery of the 250th tail component produced by Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) for the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. This delivery underscores the growing partnership between the two nations in the aerospace sector.
The component, known as the empennage, includes the complete tail assembly, which consists of both horizontal and vertical stabilizers. These elements are crucial for providing stability and control to the aircraft. The empennage was manufactured at TLMAL’s facility located in Hyderabad and subsequently shipped to Lockheed Martin’s plant in Marietta, Georgia, for integration into the C-130J aircraft.
According to a company release, “The quality, precision, and reliability demonstrated by our Indian partners directly support the C-130J fleet that serves 23 nations around the world for 20 missions ranging from humanitarian aid to special operations. It is a product that is built to deliver and built to last.”
TLMAL is a joint venture established in 2010 between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Lockheed Martin. The venture plays a vital role in producing assemblies that contribute to the C-130J production line while also supporting India’s “Make in India” initiative. In addition to manufacturing, the two companies collaborate on quality systems and workforce training to enhance operational efficiency.
Rod McLean, Vice President for Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating that it highlights the cooperation with Indian partners and India’s integral role in the company’s supply chain.
The global C-130J fleet, which is utilized as a tactical airlifter, is operated by 23 countries, including the Indian Air Force. Collectively, these aircraft have logged over 3 million flight hours across various missions, including transport, rescue, refueling, medical evacuation, and humanitarian operations.
In a related development, a report released earlier this month projected that India’s defense technology market, currently valued at $7.6 billion in 2025, is expected to reach $19 billion by 2030. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 20 percent. The report indicates that technology-led systems will comprise almost 50 percent of India’s overall defense market by 2030, signifying a shift from traditional platform-driven development to advanced engineering and digital capability building.
This milestone delivery not only reflects the successful collaboration between Tata and Lockheed Martin but also highlights the evolving landscape of the defense sector in India, where partnerships with global leaders are paving the way for enhanced capabilities and technological advancements.
According to IANS, the emphasis on quality and collaboration in this venture is expected to further strengthen the India-US aerospace partnership.