Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin have officially broken ground on a new defence Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India dedicated to supporting the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The development marks a major milestone in the long-standing partnership between the two companies and represents a significant step toward strengthening India’s indigenous military sustainment capabilities.
The facility will provide comprehensive depot-level maintenance support for India’s C-130J fleet, including heavy maintenance, component overhaul, structural repairs and avionics upgrades. Once operational, the center will play a crucial role in enhancing the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force while reducing dependence on overseas maintenance services.
In addition to supporting India’s fleet, the facility is expected to serve as a regional hub for C-130 aircraft maintenance. This could create opportunities to support other international operators of the C-130 platform across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.
Lockheed Martin leadership emphasized that the project strengthens the long-term industrial collaboration between the company and India’s aerospace sector. By bringing advanced sustainment capabilities into the country, the facility will contribute to building local expertise and strengthening India’s defense aviation infrastructure.
Tata Advanced Systems highlighted that the project reflects India’s growing capability and confidence in developing its own defense ecosystem. The initiative is expected to drive innovation, skill development and industrial growth within the national aerospace sector.
Construction of the facility is scheduled to be completed by late 2026, with operations expected to begin in early 2027. Once operational, the MRO center will become part of Lockheed Martin’s global support network for the C-130 platform.
The project also aligns with India’s “Make in India” and defense self-reliance initiatives, building on Tata Advanced Systems’ existing role as a manufacturer of C-130 aerostructures. By establishing in-country sustainment capabilities, the new facility will ensure long-term operational support for the Indian Air Force’s critical airlift aircraft.
With the expansion of advanced defense maintenance infrastructure, the partnership between Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin is expected to strengthen India’s position in the global aerospace and defense MRO ecosystem.
