Tata-Lockheed JV Reflects US Commitment to Free Indo-Pacific, Says Gor
Tata-Lockheed venture eyes major IAF transport aircraft contract amid deeper cooperation
Hyderabad: Highlighting the United States’ commitment to a free and secure Indo-Pacific, US Ambassador Sergio Gor said on Monday that the production of key structural components for the C-130J military transport aircraft in India underscores growing US-India defence cooperation.
Speaking during a visit to the Tata-Lockheed Martin Aerostructures facility in Hyderabad, the US envoy said, “The production in India of critical structures for the C-130J, a platform operated by both our nations, is a strong example of the growing industrial and defence cooperation between the United States and India. Partnerships like these support high-skilled jobs, strengthen resilient supply chains, and advance our shared vision for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.”
Gor's reference to the Indo-Pacific comes amid increasing global concerns over China's increasing military muscle-flexing in the region.
The Tata-Lockheed Martin joint venture is eyeing a multi-billion-dollar contract to supply 80 medium transport aircraft to the Indian Air Force. Lockheed Martin's C-130J, Embraer Defence and Security's C-390 Millennium and Airbus Defence and Space's A-400M aircraft have emerged as top contenders for the mega contract. The IAF is currently operating 12 C-130J aircraft.
“Lockheed Martin's partnership with Tata is making India a critical link in the global C-130J production network, strengthening defence supply chains and advancing our strategic partnership,” Gor said.
Separately, during a dinner meeting with industries minister D. Sridhar Babu along with US Consul-General Laura Williams, Gor highlighted “Mission 500”, the shared goal of taking bilateral trade between the US and India to $500 billion by 2030. He said the business partnerships built through individual deals would be important in reaching the target.
The dinner, held as part of celebrations marking 250 years of US independence, brought together business leaders from defence manufacturing, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and technology. Gor said the relationship between the two countries had grown beyond strategic cooperation, with businesses now working together across sectors such as defence, technology, life sciences and space.
Williams spoke about the role of southern India in the relationship, particularly Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. She pointed to growing cooperation in technology, data and critical minerals in the three States.
Gor urged businesses in the region to make use of initiatives such as the TRUST Initiative, Pax Silica, the US-India COMPACT and the US-India Strategic Mineral Recovery Initiative. These, he said, could help companies explore investment, supply-chain partnerships and market opportunities.
The discussions also focused on expanding market access and increasing defence industrial co-production between the two countries. The meeting brought together policymakers and industry representatives to discuss how the broader India-US relationship could translate into more business opportunities in the region.
