Interview | Vice president and chief executive, Lockheed Martin India, William L. Blair

From Lockheed Martin’s perspective, how is Aero India 2023 different from its previous editions in terms of your exhibits and participation?

We are really excited to participate in Aero India 2023 and reiterate our commitment to supporting the growth of an indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem, advancing the aerospace and start-up ecosystem, and strengthening India’s strategic security and industrial capabilities. We see tremendous opportunity in India’s defence industry—both private and public. Aligned with our commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, we look forward to further strengthening our partnerships across the country with companies of all sizes, including MSMEs.

Our focus at the show will be to exhibit our advanced security platforms and capabilities from across Lockheed Martin. Aero India 2023 provides us with an opportunity to spotlight some of our platforms and programmes for the country including:

• F-21 fighter aircraft cockpit demonstrator
• C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft
• MH-60R multi-mission helicopter
• S-92 helicopter
• S-76 helicopter
• CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter
• Javelin Weapon System

Did the Pandemic effect your ongoing programmes in India? What has been the progress on those?

COVID-19 had no impact on our India programmes except for the general inability to meet face-to-face with our various program stakeholders. We utilised virtual meetings in lieu of in person ones.

Over the course of the last two years, we have delivered six MH-60R helicopters to the Indian Navy, three of which are being utilised to train Indian pilots and crew members. In July-August 2022, the Indian Navy accepted the delivery of another three helicopters at Kochi International Airport and they will be initially based at Naval Air Station INS Garuda in Kochi. A total of 24 MH-60Rs will be delivered in country over the next few years.

Our TLMAL joint-venture programme in Hyderabad is the sole supplier for the C-130J empennage. TLMAL delivered on all of its commitments to the C-130J team throughout the COVID pandemic. Our TLMAL team worked hard to establish protocols and work patterns to support public health guidelines and to protect its team, while keeping delivery commitments as the core of its united work efforts. We are very proud of the TLMAL team for these accomplishments and the team’s ongoing commitments to the C-130J programme.

Soldiers firing a Javelin missile

What is the update on the MH-60R helicopters that are being procured by the Indian Navy? Will LM participate in navy’s other helicopter programmes too?

The Indian Navy’s acquisition of MH-60R ‘Romeo’ helicopter is the largest contract Lockheed Martin has ever signed with India. Through the MH-60R programme, Lockheed Martin is excited to work with Indian companies to further develop long-term potential business relationships.

The MH-60R ‘Romeo’ is the most capable and mature Anti-Submarine (ASW)/ Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) multi-mission helicopter available in the world today. Lockheed Martin has a proven delivery record with 100 per cent on time delivery of over 330 MH-60Rs to the US and six international navies including the Indian Navy. The MH-60R combines the world’s most reliable and cost-effective naval helicopter with the most advanced and integrated ASW/ ASuW mission system and sensors. The aircraft has the lowest operating and sustainment costs of any maritime helicopter with the most advanced capabilities required for the Indian Navy to meet all of their complex missions.

We would be happy to engage with the Indian Navy on their future acquisition programmes, should there be an opportunity to do so.

Lockheed Martin has earlier expressed its intention of supporting India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) as well the Tejas Mk II. What is the update on this?

Lockheed Martin has provided robust technical assistance with key allies across the globe with a demonstrated track record of success. Should the government of India inquire about AMCA via an Expression of Interest or other means to Lockheed Martin, we would look forward to responding. Certainly, the specifics of the technology assistance would need to be approved with the US government.

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