Is America Feeling The Heat After Putin’s India Visit? Why Lockheed Martin Is Suddenly Pushing For C-130J Production In India | World News
New Delhi: Just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin wrapped up his visit to India on December 5, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics made an offer that immediately attracted attention in New Delhi’s defense circles. The American manufacturer has offered to work with India to produce the C-130J Super Hercules domestically. This is the first time the United States has been willing to build a full production line for the aircraft beyond its borders.
The company announced its plan on December 9, stating that it sees India as the ideal host for its first overseas production center. The announcement comes on the heels of Putin’s meetings in New Delhi where Indian and Russian officials discussed strengthening defense cooperation.
According to a PTI report, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated the process of purchasing 80 tactical lift transport aircraft. Lockheed Martin believes the C-130J meets the IAF’s requirements. It was stated that the aircraft has a strong record as a reliable transportation platform in more than 20 countries, including India.
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Lockheed Martin Executive Vice President Robert Toth said the IAF’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program provides the company with “an opening through which it can expand its capacity in India and build a stronger base there.”
IAF Already Operates 12 C-130Js
“We have continued our C-130J investment under the MTA program and are preparing to produce the aircraft in India,” a senior official from the company said.
“Of all the opportunities we see around the world, India is the first country outside the United States where we have committed to establishing a co-production facility,” Toth added.
Currently, the IAF operates 12 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
IAF Wants 80 Transport Aircraft
To participate in the MTA bidding process, the company has partnered with Tata Advanced Systems. In 2022, the IAF had issued a Request for Information to determine replacement of aging Soviet-era AN-32 and IL-36 fleets.
The air force aims to procure around 80 military transport aircraft and officials believe the project could receive official approval in the coming weeks.
Other Competitors in the Race
The MTA program has received global attention. Brazilian Embraer is launching the KC-390 Millennium, while Airbus Defense and Space is competing with the A-400M.
The C-130J Super Hercules remains one of the world’s most widely used military transport aircraft, serving 28 operators in 23 countries. More than 560 units have been delivered so far.
