Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Tata-Lockheed JV Highlights Deepening US-India Defence Cooperation
The United States and India are working together to build parts for military airplanes in Hyderabad.
The factory is run by Tata and Lockheed Martin.
The airplane is called the C-130J, and both countries use this aircraft.
US Ambassador Sergio Gor said this partnership creates skilled jobs and makes supply chains stronger.
The partnership may also compete for a large Indian Air Force order for 80 transport planes.
Other aircraft makers are competing for the same order.
Gor also discussed a goal called Mission 500, which seeks to increase trade between the two countries to $500 billion by 2030.
Officials and business leaders said cooperation could expand in defence, technology, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and space.
US Ambassador Sergio Gor said C-130J component production in India demonstrates growing US-India defence cooperation.
The Tata-Lockheed Martin facility in Hyderabad produces structural components for the C-130J transport aircraft.
The joint venture is pursuing an Indian Air Force contract for 80 medium transport aircraft.
Lockheed Martin’s C-130J, Embraer’s C-390 Millennium and Airbus’s A-400M are contenders for the contract.
Gor also promoted Mission 500, which aims to raise US-India trade to $500 billion by 2030.
- Who
- US Ambassador Sergio Gor, Tata, Lockheed Martin, Indian officials and regional business leaders.
- What
- The Tata-Lockheed Martin joint venture’s C-130J production and broader US-India defence and trade cooperation were highlighted.
- When
- Monday; the dinner was held during celebrations marking 250 years of US independence.
- Where
- The Tata-Lockheed Martin Aerostructures facility in Hyderabad, with related discussions involving southern Indian states.
- Why
- To strengthen defence cooperation, skilled jobs and supply chains, and support the goal of $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
- Facility
- Tata-Lockheed Martin Aerostructures facility in Hyderabad
- Aircraft produced
- Structural components for the C-130J military transport aircraft
- Potential Indian Air Force order
- 80 medium transport aircraft
- Aircraft contenders
- Lockheed Martin C-130J, Embraer C-390 Millennium and Airbus A-400M
- India’s current C-130J fleet
- 12 aircraft
- Mission 500 target
- $500 billion in US-India bilateral trade by 2030
- Regional focus
- Technology, data and critical-minerals cooperation involving Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha