US Ambassador Sergio Gor at Tata Lockheed Martin Facility in Hyderabad.
US Ambassador Sergio Gor Tata Lockheed Martin C-130 Hyderabad Facility Visit: US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor recently visited the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited facility located in Hyderabad, Telangana. The visit aimed to spotlight the ongoing industrial development and the strengthening strategic relationship between the United States and India within the aerospace and defence sectors.
The joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin has been operating for over fifteen years. During the tour, the Ambassador examined the production line responsible for manufacturing empennages, which are the tail sections, for the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. This facility demonstrates how Indian manufacturing contributes directly to the global supply chain for this widely used military transport plane.
US Ambassador Sergio Gor at Tata Lockheed Martin Facility in Hyderabad.
Focus on the Medium Transport Aircraft Programme
Discussions during the visit centered on the Medium Transport Aircraft competition. Both companies are positioning their established partnership as a strong foundation to meet upcoming defence requirements in India. Executives noted that the existing infrastructure in Hyderabad proves their capability to scale production efficiently.
In addition to manufacturing aircraft components, the partnership is expanding into maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. The new maintenance facility is scheduled to open in December, with the first aircraft expected to arrive in the spring of 2027. This expansion supports India’s broader defence modernisation goals and the domestic manufacturing initiatives.
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US Ambassador Sergio Gor at Tata Lockheed Martin Facility in Hyderabad.
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Broader Economic and Strategic Goals
Ambassador Gor emphasized that the collaboration supports skilled employment and creates resilient supply chains shared by both nations. Leadership from both Tata and Lockheed Martin reiterated their commitment to expanding advanced technology transfer and manufacturing capabilities within the country.
The C-130J Super Hercules is utilized globally for tactical airlift, disaster relief, and humanitarian missions. By producing critical structural components locally, the partnership integrates Indian industry deeper into international aerospace operations while reinforcing bilateral security ties in the Indo-Pacific region.
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