Lockheed Martin Hits Major Milestone with 250th C-130J Tail Component Delivery to US
Image Source: Internet
Lockheed Martin has reached a significant milestone in its partnership with India, marking the delivery of the 250th C-130J Super Hercules tail component. The empennage, a critical component of the iconic Super Hercules, is manufactured by Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL), a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Lockheed Martin established in 2010. The C-130J tail or empennage is produced in India by TLMAL at its advanced aerospace facility in Hyderabad and shipped to the US for integration into C-130J aircraft built at Lockheed Martin's facility in Marietta, Georgia. This milestone highlights the deep collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Indian industry, reinforcing India's growing role in the global aerospace supply chain. According to Rod McLean, vice president, Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin, the quality, precision, and reliability demonstrated by Indian partners directly support the C-130J fleet, which serves 23 nations worldwide for 20 different missions, ranging from humanitarian aid to special operations. Lockheed Martin's supply chain relies on a diversified network of vetted suppliers, with the TLMAL facility in Hyderabad serving as a strong testament to this partnership, built on decades of collaboration with India. The partnership contributes significantly to India's 'Make in India' goals and expands aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities while supporting Lockheed Martin's global production requirements for the C-130. The delivery of the 250th empennage marks a major step forward in the strategic industrial relationship between India and the US, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, durability, and long-term global security cooperation. McLean emphasized that the teamwork and ability to deliver have set the standard for tactical airlifters, benefiting the world with what they build together. The global C-130J fleet has accumulated over 3 million flight hours, with more than 560 aircraft supporting 20 different mission requirements, including search and rescue, peacekeeping, combat delivery, and humanitarian response missions.
