Lockheed Martin has announced the delivery of the 250th C-130J Super Hercules tail assembly manufactured by Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL), marking a major milestone in the growing aerospace partnership between India and the United States. TLMAL — a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Lockheed Martin established in 2010 — produces the empennage, which includes the full tail section along with the horizontal and vertical stabilisers of the C-130J aircraft.
The empennage units manufactured at the Hyderabad facility are shipped to Lockheed Martin’s production plant in Marietta, Georgia, where they are integrated into the aircraft. Rod McLean, vice president for Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin, said the achievement reflects strong cooperation with Indian industry and reinforces India’s position as an integral part of the company’s global supply chain. The program involves joint work on advanced manufacturing processes, quality systems and workforce development, aligning with India’s “Make in India” initiative.
The C-130J-30 variant is currently operated by the Indian Air Force for a wide range of missions. India inducted its first C-130J in 2011, and the fleet has since been deployed for tasks including tactical transport, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, special operations and emergency evacuations. Globally, the C-130J is flown by 23 countries, with more than 560 aircraft collectively logging over 3 million flight hours across missions such as airlift, medical evacuation, aerial refuelling, search and rescue and humanitarian support.
