For the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, Lockheed Martin has positioned its C-130J Super Hercules as the best option. The aircraft is specifically designed to replace the aging fleets of Ilyushin Il-76 and Antonov An-32, according to the business. A formal request for proposals (RFP) is anticipated shortly, and additional Delhi expects to purchase between sixty and eighty additional airlifters.
Twelve C-130J-30 variants that are optimized for special operations are now in service with the Indian Air Force. The platform’s dependability in India’s varied and difficult geography is demonstrated by this current fleet. The C-130J has demonstrated its capabilities in harsh conditions, according to Robert Toth, vice-president for business development and strategy in air mobility and marine operations at Lockheed Martin.
If Lockheed wins the MTA deal, it would be the biggest export sale in the 70-year history of the C-130 program. Notably, this would be the first instance of Hercules aircraft being manufactured abroad. Production would move to a new Indian location chosen by the government, with initial assembly taking place at Lockheed’s Marietta facility in Georgia, USA.
Currently, Lockheed assembles 20–24 C-130Js in Marietta each year. While setting up the Indian factory, the business intends to continue full-rate manufacturing there. This two-pronged strategy guarantees on-time delivery and has the potential to boost output if India wants to field the capability quickly.
The 250th Indian-made C-130J empennage was delivered from Hyderabad by a joint venture (JV) between Lockheed Martin and TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). 100% of TASL’s deliveries are made on schedule and with perfect quality. In addition to producing 29 wing sets for the F-16 fighter aircraft, the site’s personnel is impressively skilled.
The partners recently declared their intention to invest in an in-country C-130J maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility located in Bengaluru. There has been groundbreaking, and the first induction is scheduled for 2027. In order to put Lockheed ahead of rivals, it will first support the 12 current aircraft and then scale for up to 80 MTA platforms.
For the UH-60 Black Hawk, Lockheed’s Sikorsky division has a similar joint venture in Hyderabad that was started fifteen years ago. India’s aerospace defense capabilities are said to have increased as a result of these partnerships. Toth lists prepared infrastructure and prior performance as major benefits.
India can quickly satisfy Buy/Make requirements by utilizing its operational experience with the C-130J. Lockheed says it is prepared to provide planes more quickly than competitors. TASL’s credentials for domestic manufacturing are further strengthened by the success of its Airbus C-295 production.
Toth expects the RFP to be issued as soon as the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) is approved in early 2026. The A400M from Airbus Defence & Space, the C-390 from Embraer, and an unidentified Russian variant are competitors. Although none can carry as much cargo as the Il-76, India’s fleet of C-17 Globemaster-III aircraft is already capable of doing so.
In 2025, Lockheed signed two export agreements. In September, Mexico placed an order for one C-130J to complement its current fleets of C-130K and L-100; more purchases of four or six are anticipated. Three units were purchased by an unidentified customer, which was the first Hercules operation.
Open-architecture avionics, autonomy features, and enhanced connectivity are among the next C-130J improvements being investigated. These improvements meet changing tactical airlift requirements.
The C-130J is an attractive MTA option due to Lockheed’s strong connections with India’s defense sector, track record, and manufacturing plans. The initiative aims to further India’s indigenization objectives while fortifying bilateral relations.
