US Ambassador Sergio Gor witnesses advanced aerospace manufacturing during his visit to the TLMAL facility, in Hyderabad on Monday
The decades-long economic partnership between the United States and India continues to grow stronger through innovation, shared security interests and economic cooperation, Sergio Gor, US Ambassador to India, said. Gor visited the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Ltd (TLMAL) facility on Monday, highlighting the commitment to industrial development and reinforcing the deepening strategic partnership and shared commitment to aerospace and defence industrial cooperation in India.The Ambassador toured the production line that manufactures empennages for the C-130J Super Hercules. The Hyderabad plant is emblematic of the critical role Indian industry plays in supporting the world’s most versatile and proven airlifter. The joint venture reflects an existing, established, and proven ability to produce and scale production to meet MTA competition requirements.Growing cooperation“The production of critical structures for the C-130J in India, a platform operated by both our nations, is a strong example of the growing industrial and defence cooperation between the US 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,’’ he said in a release. The visit highlighted the longstanding collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, as well as the companies’ shared commitment to expanding advanced aerospace manufacturing capabilities in India to support of the country’s defence modernisation and “Make in India” initiatives.“Tata Advanced Systems’ partnership with Lockheed Martin has proven over time to supply world-class aerostructures for their key programmes, including the C-130J,’’ Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, TASL said. “This partnership has now extended to MRO, which will be operational soon. Additionally, both parties are expanding cooperation on full platforms for Make in India, should we get the opportunity. Both sides will bring their existing world class capabilities to support the MoD,’’ he added. The Tata Advanced Systems’ MRO opening is planned for December of this year with aircraft arrival slated for Spring 2027.“Through our collaboration with Indian industry, we have established world-class aerospace manufacturing capabilities that directly support the global network of C-130J operators,” said Trish Pagan, Vice President, Air Mobility and Maritime Missions. Certified across 20 missions, the C-130J Super Hercules serves militaries around the globe and has become a cornerstone of tactical airlift operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and special mission operations. Published on August 24, 2026
