Lockheed Martin and Tata Group Sign Memorandum of Understanding For Fighter Wing Production in India
- Partnership underscores Lockheed Martin’s commitment to enhancing India’s defense sector manufacturing capabilities
New Delhi. Lockheed Martin and Tata Group are set to start production of fighter jet wings at their jiont venture, Tata Lockeed Martin Aerostructures (TLMAL) in Hyderabad beginning 2025.
The US military and space systems giant said in a press statement on March 10 that an MOU signed between them envisons production of 29 fighter wing chipsets and Lockheed Martin had already recognized TLMAL as a potential co-producer following its successful production and qualification of a prototype in 2021. Through this prototype project, TLMAL was required to demonstrate the capability to perform detailed part manufacturing and delivery of a fully compliant fuel-carrying 9-g, 12,000 hour, interchangeable/replaceable representative fighter wing. That achievement further strengthened Lockheed Martin’s partnership with India; and supports its F-21 offering for procurement of 114 new fighter aircraft — exclusively for India and the Indian Air Force — by proving additional indigenous production capability. There is an option for additional shipsets.
“This MOU between Lockheed Martin and Tata Group further exemplifies Lockheed Martin’s commitment to a self-reliant India and the degree of confidence that exists in our relationships with our partners in India,” said James Taiclet, Chairman, President and CEO, Lockheed Martin. “Lockheed Martin’s 21st Century Security vision aims to deliver integrated mission-focused defense capabilities with innovation and urgency, and with that we are one of the only aerospace companies with a complex aerostructure capability for advanced fighters in India. This strong partnership embodies our principle of For India, From India, For the World.”
The India F-21 represents an unprecedented strategic and economic opportunity for the United States-India relationship and represents a catalyst to future advanced technology cooperation, the company said.
Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics established TLMAL as a joint venture in 2010. TLMAL demonstrates the government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skills India’ goals and serves as the single global source of C-130J empennage assemblies that are installed on all new Super Hercules aircraft. To date, TLMAL has manufactured and delivered nearly 200 C-130J empennages.
“I am proud of the Tata Group’s partnership with Lockheed Martin on this prestigious project. I would like to congratulate the TLMAL team for successfully industrializing and qualifying the fighter wing in spite of the technological complexity involved. I am confident the initiative of manufacturing fighter wings in India will go a long way in strengthening the aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem in India.” said N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd.
Lockheed Martin continues to build upon more than seven decades of association and three decades of partnership with India by nurturing and expanding collaborations with local industry to support the evolution of indigenous defense manufacturing ecosystems, and further advance India’s strategic security and industrial capabilities. These range from transport, maritime and fighter aircraft, to shipborne air and missile defense projects, as well as capabilities in civil sectors including new and renewable energy. Lockheed Martin India’s joint ventures, apprenticeships and founding membership of the India Innovation Growth Program underscore its conviction to Indian industry, talent and progress.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 116,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
About Tata Advanced Systems Limited
Tata Advanced Systems Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons focused on providing integrated solutions for aerospace, defence and homeland security. In less than a decade, Tata Advanced Systems has become a significant player in the global aerospace market, becoming the premier manufacturing partner for global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as well as the government of India’s Defence Research and Development Organization. It has capabilities throughout the entire aerospace value chain from design to full aircraft assembly, and is well positioned in areas that include missiles, radars, unmanned aerial systems, command and control systems, optronics and homeland security.
