US-based defence technology company Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have entered into a teaming agreement that is expected to give a major fillip to India's defence and aerospace capabilities.
The two companies have agreed to set up a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility to support the Indian Air Force's highly advanced military transport aircraft C-130J Super Hercules fleet as well as the C-130J fleet operated by other countries.
The teaming agreement also explores the possibility of Lockheed Martin expanding C-130J manufacturing and assembly in India to produce aircraft for Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) programme of the Indian Navy, subject to government approval.
The IAF is looking to acquire up to 80 MTAs and had issued a request for information in this regard.
"Collaborating with Lockheed Martin on the C-130J platform proposition for IAF's MTA project is a milestone for Tata Advanced Systems," CEO and MD of Tata Advanced Systems Sukaran Singh said.
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The announcement also marks the entry of Tata Advanced Systems into the defence MRO space in India for large aircraft platforms.
Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of the Air Mobility and Maritime Missions line of business at Lockheed Martin said the teaming agreement demonstrates his company's "commitment to a self-reliant India.
The two companies already have a long-standing partnership through the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Ltd., (TLMAL) joint venture, established in 2010.