96% of C-130J Aircraft Wing Now Manufactured in India

   This report outlines India’s growing prominence in global aerospace and defence manufacturing, as highlighted by Major Partha P Roy Chowdhury, Commercial Lead for Japan, India, and Bangladesh at Lockheed Martin. Speaking on 13 May, at an industry event in Chennai, Shri Chowdhury provided critical insights into India’s increasing contribution to Lockheed Martin’s global operations, particularly in southern India.

India currently manufactures 96% of the C-130J aircraft wing, showcasing its advanced precision engineering and large-scale manufacturing capability.
The remaining 4% is limited due to intellectual property constraints from the U.S., pointing to an opportunity for India to develop sovereign capabilities.

Over 90% of Lockheed Martin’s Indian suppliers are based in southern states, including Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Southern India’s MSMEs are recognized for global-quality standards, precision manufacturing, and cost competitiveness. Shri Chowdhury emphasized that infrastructure in this region matches or surpasses international benchmarks.