US defence major Lockheed Martin is considering establishing a final assembly line for its C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft in India, marking what would be the company's first such facility outside the United States. The potential investment comes as India prepares to procure around 80 new medium military transport aircraft, with Lockheed Martin positioning the C-130J as a strong contender in this significant defence acquisition.

India's Strategic Role in C-130J Operations

Robert Toth, Vice President of Business Development at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, highlighted India's growing importance in the company's global aerospace ecosystem during an interview with CNBC-TV18. India currently operates 12 C-130J aircraft, which have been deployed extensively for special operations, disaster relief, and high-altitude missions, including operations in remote Himalayan regions.

"The 12 C-130Js operated by the Indian Air Force have brought tremendous capability to India, not only for special operations but also for humanitarian missions," Toth stated, emphasizing the platform's continued evolution as the company develops new capabilities for future customers.

Major Procurement Programme Creates Manufacturing Opportunity

India's plan to acquire 80 additional military transport aircraft represents one of the largest defence aviation programmes in the coming years. The scale of this requirement, combined with India's emphasis on domestic manufacturing, creates a compelling case for local assembly according to Lockheed Martin.

While Toth did not confirm specific timelines, he indicated that Lockheed Martin is actively evaluating opportunities to expand production and industrial capabilities in India, including the possibility of establishing a final assembly line for the C-130J.

Established Manufacturing Footprint

Lockheed Martin's presence in India spans three decades, with significant aerospace manufacturing capabilities developed over the past 15 years through joint ventures with the Tata Group in Hyderabad. One of the most notable achievements has been the production of the C-130J empennage—the aircraft's horizontal and vertical tail section—in India.

"The last 250 C-130Js built globally have all had empennages manufactured in India, making India the sole global provider of that section of the aircraft," Toth explained, demonstrating India's critical role in the global C-130J supply chain.

Aircraft Capabilities and Global Reach

Lockheed Martin is positioning the C-130J as uniquely suited to India's diverse operational requirements. The four-engine turboprop aircraft is designed for tactical missions and can operate from short, unprepared runways in harsh environments. According to Toth, the C-130J offers several key advantages:

• Higher paratrooper and personnel capacity
• Greater cargo and pallet positions than rivals in its class
• Shortest take-off and landing distance for remote airfield access
• Strong fuel efficiency and robustness for sustained operations

The aircraft has proven its versatility globally, including deployment during the COVID-19 pandemic to transport medical supplies to remote regions and extensive use in humanitarian assistance operations across South Asia.

Global Platform Success

Lockheed Martin has delivered over 560 C-130J aircraft worldwide, with 28 operators across 23 countries, establishing it as one of the most widely used military transport aircraft platforms globally. For India, the combination of an existing fleet, proven global platform performance, and prospects for local assembly and manufacturing could prove decisive in the defence ministry's evaluation of its next-generation transport aircraft programme.

If the assembly line materializes, it would significantly deepen Lockheed Martin's presence in India while marking a major milestone in India's push to become a global defence manufacturing hub, aligning with the government's Make in India and defence indigenisation objectives.

Lockheed Martin has announced a significant seven-year agreement with the US Department of Defense to dramatically expand production of its PAC-3 missile interceptors. The deal will boost annual manufacturing capacity from approximately 600 units to 2,000 units per year, representing more than a three-fold increase in output.

Production Expansion Details

The expansion addresses growing global demand for Patriot Advanced Capability missile interceptors as nations enhance air defense systems amid rising geopolitical tensions. The increased production capacity will support both domestic US requirements and international partnerships.

Global Market Presence

Lockheed Martin currently supplies PAC-3 missiles to sixteen countries beyond the United States. Key international customers include Sweden, Qatar, Japan, and Poland, demonstrating the system's widespread adoption among allied nations. The Patriot system has also been among the weapons systems provided to Ukraine in its defense against Russia's invasion.

Recent Performance and Contracts

The company delivered 620 PAC-3 missile units in 2025, reflecting strong execution of current production commitments. Over the past two years, Lockheed Martin has already increased production by 60%, indicating progressive scaling of manufacturing capabilities ahead of this major expansion.

Implementation Timeline

Lockheed Martin will collaborate with the US government toward securing an initial contract award, which is anticipated in final fiscal year 2026 Congressional appropriations. In September 2025, the Bethesda, Maryland-based company received a $9.80 billion contract for 1,970 Patriot missiles, marking the largest order ever placed for the weapon system.

This production expansion represents a strategic response to evolving global security requirements and positions Lockheed Martin to meet increasing demand for advanced air defense capabilities across multiple international markets.