With the increasing focus on indigenous R&D and production, do you envisage a possibility of collaborating with an Indian public or private sector company for design and development?

Lockheed Martin continues to build upon its more than seven decades of association and three decades of partnership with India, expand collaborations with local industry to support the evolution of the indigenous defence and aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and advance India’s strategic security and industrial capabilities.

Our joint venture (JV) with Tata Advanced Systems Limited, Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) in Hyderabad established over a decade ago produces major aerostructure components for the C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft. This is the sole supplier of these components to Lockheed Martin and is an integral part of our global supply chain. To date, TLMAL has manufactured and delivered more than 180 C-130J empennages. Recently, the TLMAL was also recognised as a potential future co-producer of fighter wings. The increase in global demand for F-16, would, therefore, present an interesting opportunity for Indian entities like the TLMAL to be part of the fighter jet supply chain.

                  William L. Blair

Our other JV, the Tata Sikorsky Aerospace Limited (TSAL), also established over a decade ago, manufactures aerospace components for commercial helicopters and aircraft and has expanded to include aircraft engine components for aerospace industry companies as well. It is also fully integrated into the global supply chain.

Hundreds of suppliers, including over 140 Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) feed into these two JVs and have benefited from the vision of Lockheed Martin and Tata working together. At present, more than 70 Indian suppliers have been integrated into Lockheed Martin’s global supply chain.

Lockheed Martin has worked with Ashok Leyland to develop the next-generation military vehicle for India and the global market. The vehicle has been field evaluated in various environmental conditions by Indian customers and has been selected by some of the military users in India. Nine vehicles were delivered to the Indian Air Force in 2021 with a follow-on order for more. The engineering support and the cooperative working relationship with Ashok Leyland was instrumental for the success of the development and production of indigenous equipment, another great example of the Make in India concept.

Lockheed Martin hosts an annual Suppliers Conference to engage with the Indian industry to build on the company’s existing foundation in India and identify additional strategic partners from across the country to include companies of all sizes, large, MSMEs and start-ups.

In 2021, we hosted the Hybrid Suppliers Conference in Bengaluru. 135 companies of all sizes participated in the conference and received the opportunity to showcase their company to key stakeholder