Lockheed Martin proposes $10.5 bn bid to supply 60 C‑130J aircraft to India
Lockheed Martin announced a proposal to supply the Indian Air Force with 60 medium transport aircraft, valued at USD 10.5 billion. The offer includes 12 aircraft built in the United States and 48 to be manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems. It also proposes upgrading the existing fleet of 12 C‑130J aircraft to create a common fleet of 72 aircraft. The tender was issued in August 2026 and final bids are due by 2 December 2026.
Why it matters
Lockheed says the proposal would expand its partnership with Tata and give the company a $10.5 bn contract if awarded, boosting its Indian manufacturing footprint. The deal would provide the Indian Air Force with a unified fleet of 72 C‑130J aircraft, enhancing its operational capability. The tender requires at least 40 percent indigenous content, which could increase local industry participation.
Key facts
- 1India issued a tender in August 2026 for 60 medium transport aircraft valued at USD 10.5 billion. indiatoday.in
- 2Lockheed Martin's proposal includes 12 aircraft in flyaway condition and 48 to be manufactured in India. indiatoday.in
- 3The proposal also includes upgrading the Indian Air Force's existing 12 C‑130J fleet to the same advanced configuration, creating a common fleet of 72 aircraft. indiatoday.in
- 4Dan Tenney is Senior Vice President, Global Business Development and Strategy at Lockheed Martin. indiatoday.in
- 5The Ministry of Defence's request for proposal was issued on 12 August 2026. illustrateddailynews.com
- 6Final bids are due by 2 December 2026. illustrateddailynews.com
Open questions
- Program value is reported as 1 lakh crore rupees, about 1 trillion rupees, $10.4 bn and $10.5 bn in different sources.
- Indigenous content requirement is cited as a minimum of 40 percent, with some reports expecting over 60 percent, but not confirmed.
Summary written by AlphAI from 2 of 2 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.