Lockheed Martin Positions C-130J Super Hercules for IAF's MTA Program

Lockheed Martin is vying for a significant role in the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Multi-Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, proposing its C-130J Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft as a potential replacement for the aging An-32 fleet.

This strategic move comes even as Lockheed Martin offers its KC-130J tanker variant, showcasing the company's desire for a greater share of India's defense modernization efforts.

The IAF is seeking to procure 60-80 transport aircraft to replace its An-32s, which have been in service since the early 1980s. Lockheed Martin's C-130J, with its established track record and adaptability, presents itself as a strong contender for this requirement.

A key aspect of Lockheed Martin's proposal is the possibility of establishing local production of the C-130J in India. This aligns with the government's "Make in India" initiative, which aims to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.

Local production could enhance India's aerospace industry, generate employment, and potentially make the C-130J a more attractive option for the IAF.

India already operates a fleet of 12 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, demonstrating the IAF's familiarity with the platform's capabilities. The aircraft is known for its versatility, reliability, and ability to operate in challenging environments. These factors, coupled with the potential for local production, could significantly bolster the C-130J's prospects in the MTA program.

The competition for the MTA contract is likely to be intense, with other global aerospace companies also vying for the opportunity. However, Lockheed Martin's C-130J, with its proven track record and potential for localization, appears to be a formidable contender.

 

[sanket]

Embraer would better than LM.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

Nothing, just nothing, beats Murican Technology in the Air.
Problem is, dealing with the Americans is like a deal with the devil.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

We should do jv for next 15 years requirements. Incentivize private companies to develop civilian and transport planes. Provide them access to research through iisc, iit's etc.

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

India should make C-130J and link this deal with India specific F-35A ,F-35B produced in India !

 

[NSR]

It would be great opportunity to build them in India.
However, IAF looking for a 30 MT MTA transporter which would disqualify it.

Embraer C-290 and Airbus A-400Ms are the only ones that would quality.

 

[Kira]

As the default option,the IAF and GoI should seriously consider the local production of the Hercules if conditions,ToT and costs are feasible enough.
Otherwise the Embraer C-390,while a dark horse from the left field could potentially be a very promising option especially if Brazil in turn offers to buy some Indian military gear with high ToT and local production.
Finally,the Airbus A-400M is just too capable than what the tender demands and way too expensive for that,although TATA may spun a surprise if they manage to convince Airbus to offer substantial discounts for producing the plane in their C-295 plant in future,albeit that is highly unlikely.

 

[SK]

It's more sensible to go with Additional C-295 Aircraft to replace the ageing An-32s to boost logistical synergy & Indigenization.

 

[Sandeep]

It's more sensible to go with Additional C-295 Aircraft to replace the ageing An-32s to boost logistical synergy & Indigenization.

Nope we can’t as it’s payload capacity is much lower than what we need.

 

[Sridhar]

IAF can order for additional C - 295 else A 400 can also be a great alternative.

 

[Sandeep]

The best and cheapest option is to buy the Ukrainian Antonov 70 which can outcompete any of it’s competitors from the USA, France, Brazil or Japan. The technology, equipment and capabilities go beyond what we need and it’s more affordable than the other planes.

Ukraine needs more money to buy and manufacture the weapons, technology and equipment along with paying the military’s growing expensive salaries. They also need to try and rebuild his military industry and companies that are mostly destroyed so he’s largely stuck on getting international military aid which can change all of a sudden.

So Ukraine is desperate for the money and India can exploit that to make a deal with a high amount of technology transfer, local production and a cheaper price tag than the others. The technology on that plane is very advanced and modern and it will allow us to learn more on how to design, develop and manufacture an indigenous version in the near future. We should look at it and see it’s capabilities while flying and if it meets our requirements and price tag.

 

[Pad UwU]

Nothing, just nothing, beats Murican Technology in the Air.
Problem is, dealing with the Americans is like a deal with the devil.

Very true😺👍
That's why there's a saying...
(No pain, no gain)
US dictates everything the "do's and don't so it's a pain in the @ss.
It's a good thing of having western tech gain more benefits but in a stiff price and stipulation 🙃

 

[SK]

Nope we can’t as it’s payload capacity is much lower than what we need.

It's ideal for High Altitude regions as it required a short runway for take-off & Landing.

 

[Tanishq Bafila]

The best and cheapest option is to buy the Ukrainian Antonov 70 which can outcompete any of it’s competitors from the USA, France, Brazil or Japan. The technology, equipment and capabilities go beyond what we need and it’s more affordable than the other planes.

Ukraine needs more money to buy and manufacture the weapons, technology and equipment along with paying the military’s growing expensive salaries. They also need to try and rebuild his military industry and companies that are mostly destroyed so he’s largely stuck on getting international military aid which can change all of a sudden.

So Ukraine is desperate for the money and India can exploit that to make a deal with a high amount of technology transfer, local production and a cheaper price tag than the others. The technology on that plane is very advanced and modern and it will allow us to learn more on how to design, develop and manufacture an indigenous version in the near future. We should look at it and see it’s capabilities while flying and if it meets our requirements and price tag.

The thing is Ukraine will remain engaged with Russia in years to come , even if this war stops Russia will again attack on Ukraine due to NATO ..

And India won't get spares during this time , we have seen the case with other transport plane..

And India moving away from Russian tech , we are incling towards West

 

[Tanishq Bafila]

It would be great opportunity to build them in India.
However, IAF looking for a 30 MT MTA transporter which would disqualify it.

Embraer C-290 and Airbus A-400Ms are the only ones that would quality.

20-30 tonnes category

 

[desigandu]

A-400Ms if can be produced in India with reasonable prices, like the C-295s may be a good option…