In a strong endorsement of India’s rising prowess in aerospace and defence manufacturing, Major Partha P Roy Chowdhury, Commercial Lead for Japan, India, and Bangladesh at Lockheed Martin, revealed that 96 per cent of the C-130J aircraft wing is now produced in India. Speaking to a gathering of industry leaders in Chennai recently, Chowdhury underscored the critical role southern India plays in Lockheed Martin’s global operations.

“We have over 115,000 employees globally, including more than 85,000 engineers, operating across 33 countries,” he noted. “Yet, what you see in the North is enabled by what’s being built in the South.” Chowdhury emphasised that more than 90 per cent of Lockheed Martin’s Indian suppliers are based in southern states, lauding the region’s MSMEs for their quality, precision, and global competitiveness. “The infrastructure and ecosystem in the South are not just on par with global standards—they often surpass them,” he added.

The Hyderabad manufacturing facility, a joint venture with Tata, was highlighted as a flagship initiative. Chowdhury proudly shared that “the cabin of the helicopter that transports US President Donald Trump is manufactured right here by Indian engineers in Andhra Pradesh.” He further pointed out that components for major platforms such as the F-16, C-130J Aircraft Wing and MQ-9 Reaper—including wings, empennages, missile cables, and antennas—are being produced in India.

Reflecting on the growing level of indigenisation, Chowdhury stated, “When we began manufacturing in India, the Indian content was only 30 per cent. Today, it’s 96 per cent.” The remaining 4 per cent, he explained, is constrained by intellectual property held by a US firm. He encouraged greater investment in R&D to help India overcome such dependencies and achieve sovereign capabilities.

Chowdhury also shared insights into Lockheed Martin’s evolution into a high-tech enterprise, citing platforms like the F-35 and C-130J that incorporate cutting-edge cyber systems and 5G communications. “We are more of a tech company than just aerospace and defence,” he asserted.

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He concluded by acknowledging the transformation of the space sector and Elon Musk’s impact on launch economics, noting that Lockheed Martin is expanding into satellite communications and human spaceflight. “India is not just a partner; it’s a powerhouse in the making,” Chowdhury declared, calling on local industries to deepen engagement and drive innovation forward.

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