The ceremony was attended by senior Indian Air Force officials, government representatives, industry leaders and executives from both companies. Lockheed Martin Chief Operating Officer Frank St. John said, “Today’s groundbreaking reflects how far our collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems and India has come, and where we’re headed together.”
He added, “This new C-130 MRO facility strengthens that foundation. It brings world-class sustainment capability into India, improves readiness for the Indian Air Force, and creates opportunities that will support regional and global C-130 operators.”
Tata Advanced Systems Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Sukaran Singh said, “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.” He added, “The MRO venture strengthens our aerospace ecosystem, creating a foundation for innovation, skill development, and global competitiveness.”
The facility will provide depot-level and heavy maintenance, component repair and overhaul, structural restoration, avionics upgrades and expanded training for Indian engineers and maintainers. Tata Advanced Systems, already a key manufacturer of C-130 aerostructures in India, will operate the site, which will join Lockheed Martin’s global network of certified service centres.
Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Air Mobility and Maritime Missions, said, “This Defence MRO facility will bolster response time and security in the Pacific, ensure world-class sustainment capability within India aligning with the country’s ambitions while advancing sustainment capability for the C-130J fleet across the globe.” He added, “This new MRO represents another historic first and a unique opportunity to lay the groundwork for a generational partnership between the C 130 platform and India.”
Construction of the facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with the first aircraft arriving for MRO operations in early 2027. Lockheed Martin said the project aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative and supports the long-term operation of the C-130J fleet, which has been in Indian Air Force service since 2011.
