By Bikram Vohra
It has made its presence not just felt but warmly welcomed. Lockheed Martin has been actively enhancing its operations in India, focusing on partnerships and collaborations that align with India’s defence modernization efforts. Of course, the readiness with which the company has espoused the Made in India mantra has earned it brownie points with the government and the IAF.
This is one of the key aspects of Lockheed Martin’s strategy in India and the commitment to this initiative launched by the Indian government to boost domestic manufacturing and promote self-reliance in defence production has been spearheading the US maker’s strategic approach. The company has aimed to establish partnerships with Indian manufacturers and suppliers to build capabilities and create a robust supply chain. This approach not only supports local economic growth but also ensures technology transfer and skill development in the Indian workforce.
The importance given to the C-130J Super Hercules programme is a truly major plank in the upgrading of a 30-year presence in the country.
The US manufacturer has upped the ante with its teaming with Tata Advanced Systems with the intent to expand upon the companies’ business relationship through the assembly of the tactical airlifter. This announcement marks a significant step in enhancing India’s defence and aerospace capabilities while also deepening India-U.S. strategic ties. Call it Hog or Bleed Air Blimp or affectionately Herc, it has been a great addition. The four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built is capable of using unprepared runways for take-offs and landings and was originally designed as a troop, medevac, and cargo transport aircraft. The C-130J, a versatile military transport aircraft, has been successfully deployed by the Indian Air Force (IAF), and production is partly based in India, emphasizing the company’s commitment to local manufacturing. Both the IAF and Lockheed Martin recognize the strategic advantages of having domestic capabilities, which enhance operational readiness and reduce dependency on foreign supply chains. The production of the C-130J transport aircraft in India has expanded. Lockheed Martin has been working closely with Indian companies to support manufacturing, aiming to fulfill both Indian Air Force (IAF) requirements and potential export opportunities for other nations in the region.
Lockheed Martin’s primary focus in India does not stop at the production of the C-130J Super Hercules transport.
In the realm of fighter aircraft, Lockheed Martin has proposed the F-21, a variant of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, tailored specifically for the Indian market. This fifth-generation multi-role fighter jet incorporates advanced technologies and offers significant operational advantages. Lockheed Martin’s emphasis on co-production aligns with India’s aspirations for self-reliance and indigenous defence capabilities. By collaborating with local partners, Lockheed Martin aims to enhance the F-21 through Indian manufacturing, which would not only benefit the Indian military but also position India as an exporter of defence technology.
This agreement provides a framework for collaboration on future potential business opportunities to include:
• Establishing a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India to support the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) existing fleet of 12 C-130Js as well as other global Super Hercules fleet.
• Expanding C-130J manufacturing and assembly in India to produce aircraft for the IAF’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, subject to U.S. and Indian government approvals.
At another level even as the Rafale takes precedence over other contenders at a much larger price tag Lockheed Martin is still promoting the F-21 fighter jet, a variant of the F-16, as a potential solution for India’s need for advanced multi-role combat aircraft. The company emphasizes the benefits of local production and technology transfer, aiming to bolster India’s indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
The push for it is ongoing and there is a large slew of experts who believe the aircraft is ideal for the IAF especially since its sale to India would prohibit sales of the F21 to any other country.
The company has been investing in research and development centers in India aimed at fostering innovation in aerospace and defence technologies. This initiative aims to utilize India’s skilled workforce to create advanced solutions tailored to both Indian and global defence requirements.
Lockheed Martin continues to participate in defence exhibitions like Aero India, showcasing its technologies and building relationships with Indian defence stakeholders. These platforms serve as opportunities for the company to highlight its commitment to India and promote its various defence solutions.
In recent days with doubts being cast upon the quality of the S400 defence system from Russia and the gap in its promised efficacy, this could be the perfect opportunity for the US manufacturer to sweeten the current level of cooperation with the THAAD system. So far extended to Israel on a sort of loan arrangement the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (formerly Theater High Altitude Area Defense) is designed to intercept and destroy short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase. It constitutes 6mounted vehicles with eight pods each that make for a 48-strong barrage with a 100 percent strike ratio.
According to a CNN report: The THAAD defence system is one of the US military’s most powerful anti-missile weapons, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles at ranges of 150 to 200 kilometers (93 to 124 miles) and with a near-perfect success rate in testing.
Using a combination of advanced radar systems and interceptors, THAAD, short for Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense, is the only US missile defence system that can engage and destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles both inside or outside the atmosphere during their terminal phase of flight – or dive on their target.
THAAD interceptors are kinetic, meaning they take out incoming targets by colliding with them rather than exploding near the incoming warhead.
Another player in the market that focuses more on the waterfront is the Lockheed Martin Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. It utilizes naval platforms equipped with powerful radars and interceptors, providing a flexible and mobile defence option.
The system can be integrated with other defence systems, enhancing overall defence capabilities and could well be the basis for an updated Indian version in the future. With its layered defence attitude, it is a more complex system and obtaining accuracy would require long-term intensive training.
Moreover, Lockheed Martin has invested in establishing research and development center initiatives in India, focusing on innovation in aerospace and defence technologies. Through these centers, the company aims to leverage India’s talent pool, collaborating with startups, universities, and research institutions to develop cutting-edge solutions. This investment in R&D reflects Lockheed Martin’s long-term vision for India as a hub for technological advancement in defence and aerospace. As PR goes it is more than holding its own.
As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve in the Asia-Pacific region, Lockheed Martin’s presence in India becomes increasingly vital. The company’s collaborations with the Indian defence sector contribute to India’s military modernization and create a strategic partnership that enhances regional stability and security. By aligning its objectives with India’s defence aspirations, Lockheed Martin positions itself as a trusted partner in the country’s journey toward becoming a self-reliant defence powerhouse.
Bikram Vohra is the Consulting Editor of Indian Aerospace & Defence.
