Archive · 24 Jan 2026
Lockheed Martin Eyes India for C-130J Assembly
Lockheed Martin, a big American defence company, is thinking about building its C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft in India.
This would be the first time they build this plane outside the United States.
India already has 12 of these planes, which are used for special missions and helping people during disasters.
The Indian government wants to buy about 80 more of these planes.
Lockheed Martin thinks it would be a good idea to build them in India because the country is focusing on making things locally.
They already work with many Indian companies to make parts for the plane.
If they start building the whole plane in India, it would help India become a bigger player in making defence equipment.
Lockheed Martin is considering setting up a final assembly line for the C-130J Super Hercules in India, marking its first such facility outside the US.
India operates 12 C-130J aircraft, used for special operations, disaster relief, and high-altitude missions.
India plans to acquire 80 additional military transport aircraft, with the C-130J as a strong contender.
Lockheed Martin has been working with over 500 Indian suppliers, including 140 MSMEs, for parts and components.
The C-130J offers higher paratrooper capacity, greater cargo and pallet positions, shortest take-off and landing distance, and strong fuel efficiency.
- Who
- Lockheed Martin and the Indian government
- What
- Potential setup of a C-130J Super Hercules final assembly line in India
- When
- Timelines not confirmed, but actively being evaluated
- Where
- India
- Why
- To align with India's defence acquisition plans and 'Make in India' initiative, and to leverage India's growing aerospace manufacturing capabilities
- Company
- Lockheed Martin
- Aircraft
- C-130J Super Hercules
- Current Indian Fleet
- 12 C-130J aircraft
- Proposed Additional Aircraft
- 80
- Indian Suppliers
- 500+
- MSMEs Involved
- 140
- Global Deliveries
- 560+ C-130J aircraft
- Operators
- 28 across 23 countries
