Lockheed Martin pitches 48 locally‑built C‑130J‑30s and upgrade of 12 for India’s Medium Transport Aircraft program
Lockheed Martin submitted a bid to the Indian Ministry of Defence to supply 48 C‑130J‑30 Super Hercules aircraft built in India and to modernise the IAF’s existing 12 airlifters, which could result in a uniform fleet of 72 aircraft. The proposal is tied to the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme that seeks 60 aircraft, with the request for proposals released on 12 August 2026 and bids to be submitted by 2 December 2026. Tata Advanced Systems Limited would partner on the Indian assembly line, and the company says it is ready to transfer selected technologies.
Why it matters
If Lockheed wins the contract, the IAF could gain a larger, common‑type transport fleet and deeper domestic production capability, which may affect future defence spending and supplier relationships. The company notes that the deal, valued at about USD 10.5 billion, would expand its Indian footprint and generate further export revenue.
Key facts
- 1Lockheed proposes 48 C‑130J‑30 aircraft to be assembled in India and 12 to be delivered fly‑away from its Georgia plant. ssbcrack.com
- 2The bid includes an offer to upgrade the IAF’s current 12 C‑130J‑30s to the same configuration as the new aircraft. shop.ssbcrack.com
- 3The Medium Transport Aircraft programme is estimated at roughly ₹1 lakh crore, or about USD 10.5 billion. ssbcrack.com
- 4The Indian Ministry of Defence released the RFP on 12 August 2026 for a total of 60 aircraft, with the submission deadline set for 2 December 2026. shop.ssbcrack.com
- 5Tata Advanced Systems Limited will act as the Indian partner for local production and technology transfer. news.ssbcrack.com
- 6Lockheed says its joint venture with Tata already employs over 500 Indian suppliers, including about 140 MSMEs, and has generated more than USD 700 million in exports. ssbcrack.com
Open questions
- The upgrade of the existing 12 aircraft is described as a separate contract; it is unclear whether the Indian government will award it alongside the main MTA contract.
Summary written by AlphAI from 3 of 3 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.