India’s defence aviation is set for a major boost, as Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin begin a dedicated Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The groundbreaking, that took place in Bengaluru on Monday, marks the latest expansion in the two companies’ long-running industrial ties.The ceremony was attended by senior officials from Indian Air Force, government representatives, industry leaders and senior executives from both organisations. The ceremony marked a formal start of the programme expected to enhance in-country sustainment for the IAF and provide scope to serve regional and global C-130 operators in the future.

Lockheed Martin’s chief operating officer Frank St John said the development highlights the evolution of the relationship between the US manufacturer, Tata Advanced Systems and India. “Today’s groundbreaking reflects how far our collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems and India has come, and where we’re headed together,” he said.“For more than seven decades, we’ve grown alongside India’s expanding aerospace and defense industrial base. This new C-130 MRO facility strengthens that foundation … will support regional and global C-130 operators.”The MRO project also supports India’s ambition to strengthen domestic defence capability, Tata Advanced Systems CEO and managing director Sukaran Singh said, in a press release. “This milestone marks more than the establishment of a new facility-it represents India’s growing confidence and capability in shaping its own defence future. The MRO venture strengthens our aerospace ecosystem, creating a foundation for innovation, skill development, and global competitiveness.”The facility is being designed to provide depot-level and heavy maintenance services, component repair, structural checks and testing, avionics upgrades and structural restoration. It will also expand training options for Indian engineers and maintainers and open new opportunities for Indian suppliers connected to the C-130 supply chain.Tata Advanced Systems already manufactures C-130 empennages and other aerostructure assemblies for Lockheed Martin in India. The groundbreaking follows another milestone recorded last week, when Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) delivered its 250th C-130J tail. Once completed, the MRO centre will join Lockheed Martin’s global network of Certified Service Centers and is planned to support not only the C-130J Super Hercules, but eventually KC-130J and legacy C-130 B-H models.Lockheed Martin has maintained a presence in India for more than 30 years.Construction of the new MRO complex is planned to finish by the end of 2026. The first C-130 aircraft is expected to arrive for maintenance in early 2027.The C-130J-30 currently operated by the Indian Air Force is recognised for fuel efficiency and reduced lifecycle costs compared to other medium-sized jet airlifters, while maintaining interoperability with global air forces. Since the first delivery of the aircraft to India in 2011, crews have used the platform for demanding operations, including missions in extreme terrain and adverse weather. Across the world, more than 560 C-130Js are in service with 23 nations, holding over 20 airworthiness certifications and clocking in excess of 3 million flight hours across more than 20 different mission types, from combat delivery and maritime patrol to medevac and humanitarian response.