Tata and Lockheed Martin Start Work on New C-130J MRO Facility in Bengaluru

• New C-130J maintenance and repair facility to be set up in Bengaluru
• Project strengthens India-US defense collaboration and 'Make in India' push
• Facility to support Indian Air Force fleet and global C-130 operators

Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin have announced the groundbreaking of a new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Bengaluru to support the C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft. The announcement comes as the Tata-Lockheed joint venture pitches the C-130J for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) upcoming deal to acquire nearly 80 heavy-lift aircraft.

The IAF currently operates 12 C-130Js, one of the world’s most reliable tactical airlift aircraft. Senior IAF leaders, government officials, and executives from both companies attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

Frank St. John, Chief Operating Officer of Lockheed Martin, said the new facility reflects the growing depth of the partnership with India. “This MRO center will strengthen our support foundation in India, improve fleet readiness, and create opportunities for regional and global C-130 operators”, he said.

Sukaran Singh, CEO and MD of Tata Advanced Systems, added that the project marks India’s increasing capability and confidence in shaping its defense ecosystem. “This is more than a facility, it builds an innovation-driven aerospace ecosystem for India”, he said.

The state-of-the-art center will offer heavy maintenance, component repair, structural checks, avionics upgrades, and training for Indian engineers and technicians. It will also create new opportunities for Indian suppliers in the global C-130 supply chain.

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Tata has long partnered with Lockheed Martin, producing C-130 empennages and aerostructures in India. Just last week, Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited delivered its 250th C-130J tail assembly.

The Bengaluru facility will join Lockheed Martin’s global network of certified service centers and will be capable of supporting C-130J, KC-130J, and older C-130 variants. Construction is expected to be completed by late 2026, with the first aircraft scheduled for MRO services in early 2027.