Bengaluru C-130J MRO hub boosts India–US defence ties

Bengaluru’s new C-130J MRO hub by Tata and Lockheed will deliver depot-level support, cut costs and delays, train Indian engineers, and strengthen India–US defence ties

India’s upcoming Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub for military transport aircraft in Bengaluru is being seen as a turning point in defence industrial cooperation between New Delhi and Washington. The project, led jointly by Tata Advanced Systems and US defence major Lockheed Martin, is slated for completion by the end of 2026.

​The facility is being built to handle comprehensive lifecycle maintenance for the Indian Air Force’s 12 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, including heavy structural repairs, avionics modernisation and deep-dive inspections that determine how long the fleet can remain in service. Defence analysts quoted in Indo-Pacific Defense FORUM said the scale and depth of work planned mean the centre could eventually support other operators in the wider Indo-Pacific, positioning India as a core node for heavy airlift sustainment.

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​Shifting depot-level work to Indian soil is expected to shorten turnaround times, trim costs and steadily build a specialised local workforce. Lockheed Martin has underlined its plans to train and certify Indian engineers and technicians, framing the venture as an investment in long-term capability rather than a routine service contract.

​Company executive Rod McLean said the Bengaluru hub would enhance response times and security across the Pacific theatre while strengthening global C-130J sustainment. The initiative also deepens opportunities for Indian industry: Tata already produces C-130 tail sections domestically and, with original equipment manufacturer-certified MRO work, can plug more firmly into international aerospace supply chains spanning components, tooling and specialised testing services.

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