New Delhi: American aerospace giant Lockheed Martin has made an announcement which has shocked the enemies. The company plans to manufacture C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in India. The biggest thing is that outside America, this will be the first global hub in the world where co-production of these aircraft will be done. This news has come at a time when the Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing to retire its old Soviet aircraft. The Air Force needs 80 new tactical lift transport aircraft. To get ahead in this race, Lockheed Martin has thrown its biggest card. The company has joined hands with Tata Advanced Systems.
First hub outside America: Why so much trust in India?
Lockheed Martin Vice President Robert Toth made it clear in an interview to PTI that India is his priority. He said, “India is the first country in the whole world where we are promising to build a co-production facility outside America.”
This decision is not just a business deal. This is proof of the growing strategic relations between India and America. This step of Lockheed Martin is related to the ‘Medium Transport Aircraft’ (MTA) tender of the Air Force. If they get this contract, the map of defense manufacturing in India will change.
C-130J Super Hercules: What is its power?
Super Hercules is no ordinary aircraft. It is called ‘workhorse’ i.e. the most reliable horse. It is capable of flying in any weather and any terrain.
King of Raw Runway: The biggest feature of this aircraft is that it does not require a paved runway to land. It can easily land on dusty grounds, grasslands and even broken roads.
Unmatched not only in the air but also on the ground, plan to make C-130J in India (Lockheed Martin)
Hero of Daulat Beg Oldie: In 2013, the Indian Air Force had landed this aircraft at Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) in Ladakh. This is the highest airstrip in the world. By landing at such a height right under the nose of China, India had shown its strength to the world.
Special Operations: This aircraft is excellent for Special Forces (Garuda Commando) operations. It can fly at very low altitude so as not to be detected by enemy radar.
Payload Capacity: It can lift about 20 tons of weight. Armored vehicles, cannons and soldiers can be easily transported in it.
C-130J Super Hercules vs C-17 Globemaster: Who is more powerful?
Often people get confused between C-130J and C-17 Globemaster. Both the aircraft are with the Indian Air Force, but the role of both is completely different.
| feature | C-130J Super Hercules | C-17 Globemaster III |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Tactical Airlifter (Tactical) | Strategic Airlifter |
| engine | 4 turboprop engines (fans) | 4 jet engine |
| weight capacity | about 20 tons | about 77 tons |
| landing | Can land on short and unpaved runways | Requires larger and paved runways |
| Role | Transporting soldiers to the frontline, special ops | Moving heavy tanks (e.g. T-90), helicopters from one base to another |
| Range | Best for short range missions | for long distances between continents |
C-130J Super Hercules vs C-17 Globemaster: Who is more powerful?
In simple words, C-17 is a big truck that carries heavy goods from one city to another. At the same time, C-130J is a strong jeep which transports the goods to the soldiers in inaccessible mountains and forests.
Which other transport planes does the Indian Air Force have?
The Indian Air Force is one of the most powerful air forces in the world. We have a strong fleet of aircraft for transport.
C-17 Globemaster III: This is our biggest transport aircraft. India has 11 such aircraft. It is used to carry heavy tanks and supplies.
IL-76 (Gajraj): This is a Russian plane. It has served as the backbone of the Air Force for decades. Now it is getting old and there are preparations to replace it.
AN-32: This is also a Soviet era aircraft. The Air Force has a large number of it. It has been very useful for delivering supplies in the mountains. C-130J and C-295 together will replace it.
C-295: Recently India has made a deal with Airbus. This aircraft is now being built in Vadodara. It is replacing the old Avro aircraft.
Dornier 228: This is a small aircraft which is used for VIP transport and light logistics.
IAF needs 80 new aircraft. Two more players are in the fray to compete with Lockheed Martin’s C-130J.
Embraer KC-390 (Brazil): This is a jet engine aircraft. It flies slightly faster than the C-130J and can lift more weight.
Airbus A-400M (Europe): It is an aircraft between the C-130J and C-17 in size. It is more expensive but its capacity is also higher.
Maintenance hub will be built in collaboration with Tata
Not only making aircraft, Lockheed Martin has also made a big plan for maintenance. Tata Advanced Systems has started work on an MRO facility in Bengaluru.
This facility will be ready by 2026. C-130J aircraft will be repaired and maintained here. This means that now there will be no need to send planes to America for servicing. This will save both time and money. This is a big step towards making India self-reliant.
