India’s aerospace manufacturing sector has marked a significant milestone with the delivery of the 250th Made-in-India tail assembly for the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, as announced by Lockheed Martin. This achievement is being celebrated as a reflection of the robust and enduring defense partnership between India and the United States.
The empennage, which includes the complete tail structure along with horizontal and vertical stabilizers, is a crucial component of the C-130J, recognized as the most widely utilized and combat-tested tactical airlifter in the world. This component is manufactured by Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL), a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Lockheed Martin, at their state-of-the-art aerospace facility located in Hyderabad. Once completed, the tail assemblies are shipped to the United States for final integration into the aircraft.
Rod McLean, Vice President of Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin, highlighted that this 250th delivery is a testament to the precision, quality, and reliability provided by the Indian manufacturing sector. These attributes are essential in supporting a global fleet of C-130Js that spans across 23 nations, which perform more than 20 different mission types, ranging from humanitarian aid to specialized military operations.
Established in 2010, TLMAL has emerged as a pivotal entity within the framework of India–US defense industrial collaboration. The joint venture has significantly contributed to India’s Make in India initiative and its overarching objective of achieving aerospace self-reliance. The program has enhanced India’s capabilities in areas such as high-precision manufacturing, quality control, and workforce training, all while bolstering Lockheed Martin’s global supply chain.
Lockheed Martin emphasized that this milestone represents a “major step forward” in bilateral industrial cooperation, encapsulating a mutual commitment to innovation, durability, and sustained strategic defense collaboration.
With over 560 C-130J aircraft currently operational worldwide and having collectively logged more than 3 million flight hours, this delivery underscores India’s evolving position as a reliable producer within the global aerospace landscape. It sets a high benchmark for tactical airlifter manufacturing and enhances the reliability of international supply chains.
