Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Lockheed Martin Seeks More India Production in Aircraft Bid
India wants to buy 60 medium transport aircraft.
The purchase could cost USD 10.5 billion.
Lockheed Martin hopes to win the contract with its Indian partner, Tata Advanced Systems Limited.
The company says it would make 48 aircraft in India and deliver 12 ready to fly.
It also wants to expand its production work in India if its bid succeeds.
Lockheed Martin has proposed updating the Indian Air Force’s 12 existing C-130J aircraft.
The update could bring the force’s aircraft to a common advanced configuration.
The current C-130Js have been used for high-altitude operations, humanitarian missions and evacuations.
India issued a tender in August for 60 medium transport aircraft valued at USD 10.5 billion.
Lockheed Martin says it would expand production capabilities in India if it wins the contract with Tata Advanced Systems Limited.
Its proposal includes 12 aircraft delivered in flyaway condition and 48 manufactured in India.
Lockheed Martin has proposed upgrading the Indian Air Force’s 12 existing C-130Js to the same advanced configuration.
Five Indian companies are competing for the contract; the current C-130J fleet has logged more than 58,000 flight hours.
- Who
- Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited are pursuing the contract; five Indian companies are in the competition.
- What
- Lockheed Martin proposes supplying 60 medium transport aircraft, expanding production in India and upgrading existing C-130Js.
- When
- India issued the tender in August; the report was dated October 4.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- Lockheed Martin seeks to win India’s contract for medium transport aircraft and expand its production capabilities there.
- Tender
- India issued it in August for 60 medium transport aircraft.
- Estimated cost
- USD 10.5 billion.
- Indian companies in the competition
- Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Mahindra Group, Adani Defence & Aerospace, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Reliance Defence.
- Lockheed Martin proposal
- 12 aircraft in flyaway condition and 48 manufactured in India.
- Industry partnership
- Tata Advanced Systems Limited partners with Lockheed Martin; Mahindra Group has partnered with Embraer.
- Existing Indian Air Force fleet
- 12 C-130J aircraft, with more than 58,000 flight hours accumulated.
- Proposed upgrade
- Lockheed Martin has proposed upgrading the 12 existing C-130Js to the same advanced configuration, potentially creating a common fleet of 72 aircraft.
