Aero India: Already making in India: US firm Lockheed Martin

As India and the United States look to deepen military-industrial cooperation, Lockheed Martin — the world’s largest arms manufacturer — has reaffirmed its commitment to producing fighter jets and transport planes in India.

William Blair, Regional Chief Executive for India and Asia at Lockheed Martin, told The Tribune that the company is actively participating in global tenders to manufacture 114 fighter jets and 80 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), with a significant portion of components sourced from Indian vendors. The 114-jet programme is distinct from existing orders placed by the Ministry of Defence with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Addressing Lockheed Martin’s plans for fighter jet production in India, Blair highlighted the company’s existing operations. “We already ‘Make in India.’ The wings of the F-16, which belongs to the same family as the F-21, are being manufactured at the Tata-Lockheed Martin facility in Hyderabad,” he said. Lockheed Martin has offered the F-21 jet to India as part of its bid for the 114-fighter tender.

On the company’s offer of the C-130J Medium Transport Aircraft for the IAF, Blair pointed out that Lockheed Martin is already producing empennages (tail sections) for the aircraft in India for global supply. He also revealed that a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility for the C-130J is being set up in Bengaluru. “When you look at the requirement for 80 transport planes, we are committed to leaning into this opportunity and producing in India,” he added.

Lockheed Martin, which sold the first batch of C-130J aircraft to the IAF more than a decade ago, is now competing with Airbus and Brazilian manufacturer Embraer for the new 80-plane tender.

On the subject of Javelin anti-tank missiles, Blair noted that Lockheed Martin had successfully demonstrated the missile’s capabilities in high-altitude regions. “We are collaborating with Bharat Dynamics Limited and working on a comprehensive supply chain in India to meet the ‘Make in India’ requirements,” he said.

When asked whether Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighter would be offered to India, Blair deferred the decision to policymakers. “That is for the government to discuss. We are supporting a tremendous international programme across the world,” he said.

The F-35 and Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57, both cutting-edge fifth-generation fighter jets, have been among the star attractions at Aero India, drawing significant attention from defence officials and aviation enthusiasts alike.