A landmark step for India’s defence aviation sector: Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and Lockheed Martin have broken ground on a dedicated Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Bengaluru to service the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft fleet.
The new facility is expected to be completed by end-2026, with the first C-130J aircraft slated to arrive for maintenance in early 2027.
It will offer full-spectrum depot-level support — heavy maintenance, structural inspections, component repairs, avionics upgrades, structural restoration and comprehensive overhaul.
Besides sustaining the Indian Air Force’s existing fleet of C-130Js, the MRO hub is designed to serve regional and global C-130 operators, positioning India as a maintenance and support hub in Asia.
The project not only strengthens local defence maintenance capabilities, but also generates opportunities for skill development, aerospace supply-chain growth and greater self-reliance under the “Make in India” vision.
With TASL already manufacturing major aero-structures (like C-130 empennages) for global supply chains, this facility elevates India’s role from manufacturing to complete lifecycle support of strategic aircraft.
Overall, the MRO centre marks a major enhancement of India’s aerospace infrastructure, ensuring timely maintenance, reducing dependence on overseas support, and strengthening the strategic readiness of the Indian Air Force.
