Tata Delivers 250th C-130J Tail Component in Joint Venture with Lockheed Martin

New Delhi — US aerospace giant Lockheed Martin has received the 250th C-130J tail component manufactured by Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL), marking a major milestone in the India-US aerospace partnership.

The empennage — the complete tail assembly consisting of the horizontal and vertical stabilisers that ensure aircraft stability and control — was produced at TLMAL’s Hyderabad facility. It has been shipped to Lockheed Martin’s Marietta, Georgia plant for integration into C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, the company said.

According to the release, “The quality, precision and reliability demonstrated by our Indian partners directly support the C-130J fleet that serves 23 nations for 20 different missions, from humanitarian aid to special operations. It is a product built to deliver and built to last.”

TLMAL, a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Lockheed Martin established in 2010, produces key assemblies for the C-130J production line and contributes to India’s “Make in India” initiative. The partnership also includes joint work in manufacturing processes, quality systems, and workforce training.

Rod McLean, Vice President for Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin, said the achievement highlights the strong cooperation with Indian partners and India’s growing importance in the company’s global supply chain.

The C-130J fleet, operated by 23 countries including India, serves as a versatile tactical airlifter. With more than 560 aircraft in operation, the fleet has accumulated over 3 million flight hours across transport, rescue, refuelling, medical evacuation, and humanitarian missions.

A recent report noted that India’s defence technology market — valued at $7.6 billion in 2025 — is expected to grow to $19 billion by 2030 at nearly 20 per cent CAGR, with technology-driven systems projected to make up almost half of the overall defence market by the end of the decade.

—With inputs from IANS