Lockheed Martin is considering expanding its manufacturing footprint in India if it wins a $10.5 billion contract to supply 60 medium transport aircraft to the Indian armed forces, a senior company executive said. The tender was floated by India in August, with five Indian firms competing to partner with a global aircraft manufacturer for the project.
Dan Tenney, Senior Vice President of global business development and strategy at Lockheed Martin, highlighted the company's existing partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), which produces components and empennages for the C-130J aircraft. Tata is Lockheed Martin’s partner for the current bid, while Mahindra Group has teamed up with Brazilian aerospace firm Embraer. Tenney said the company aims to expand production capabilities and other operations within India if successful.
The project involves five Indian firms—Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Mahindra Group, Adani Defence & Aerospace, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and Reliance Defence—competing to collaborate with a global aircraft manufacturer. Lockheed Martin’s bid with TASL builds on a long-standing partnership, reflecting India’s growing role in advanced aerospace manufacturing. The deal is among the largest defence contracts India has floated recently, underscoring the country’s push to boost domestic defence production.
Lockheed Martin’s expansion plan depends on securing the contract, which would deepen its manufacturing presence in India and enhance local production capabilities. The company’s bid with Tata Advanced Systems Limited remains under consideration as the Indian armed forces evaluate proposals for the medium transport aircraft tender.
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