Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Lockheed Martin have begun construction of a new maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility to support the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) C-130J Super Hercules fleet. The initiative is intended to expand India’s defence sustainment ecosystem and provide services for domestic and international C-130 operators. The IAF currently operates 12 C-130J aircraft used for strategic airlift, special operations and humanitarian missions.
A ground-breaking ceremony near Bengaluru, attended by senior IAF officials, government representatives and industry leaders, marked the start of the project. Construction is scheduled to be completed by end-2026, with the first aircraft expected to enter MRO operations in early 2027.
The facility will provide depot-level and heavy maintenance, component repair, structural restoration, avionics upgrades and training for Indian engineers and technicians. It is also expected to create opportunities for local suppliers within the C-130 supply chain. TASL already produces C-130 empennages and other aerostructures, and Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited recently delivered its 250th C-130J tail assembly.
“The new centre reflects the long-term evolution of the company’s partnership with India,” said Frank St. John, Chief Operating Officer of Lockheed Martin. He noted that developing an in-country capability for major C-130 inspections and repair work will shorten turnaround times for the IAF and create options for operators elsewhere in Asia and beyond.
Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of TASL, described the facility as a step toward deeper domestic self-reliance in aerospace sustainment. According to Singh, the project is expected to support high-skilled employment, training programmes for technicians and engineers, and opportunities for Indian suppliers to further integrate into the global C-130 ecosystem.
The new centre will join Lockheed Martin’s network of Certified Service Centers, with capability to support C-130J, KC-130J and legacy C-130 B-H variants.
Rod McLean, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin Air Mobility and Maritime Missions, said the facility would enhance operational responsiveness and regional security.
The IAF has used the C-130J-30 variant since 2011 across missions such as high-altitude operations, night-time special operations and humanitarian support. The aircraft has been employed in record high-altitude landings at Daulat Beg Oldi and Nayoma. Domestic sustainment capability for the fleet is expected to support operational readiness.
TASL is an Indian defence and aerospace manufacturer engaged in aerostructures, electronics and defence systems. Lockheed Martin is a United States-based aerospace and defence company involved in aircraft, rotorcraft and related technologies.
