On October 24, 2025, Indian Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, met with Lockheed Martin CEO Jim Taiclet to discuss strengthening India-US defence industrial cooperation. The discussions centred on Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules, a key contender for the Indian Air Force’s Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, which aims to acquire up to 80 aircraft. Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems have an ongoing partnership including a joint venture manufacturing C-130J empennages in India and plans to establish Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in India to support the existing Indian fleet of 12 C-130Js. Lockheed aims to expand C-130J manufacturing and assembly within India if awarded the MTA contract, subject to approvals from both governments. The C-130J remains competitive against contenders like Embraer’s C-390 and Airbus A400M, with Lockheed highlighting the aircraft’s proven operational capabilities in high-altitude and austere environments suitable to India’s strategic needs. This collaboration reinforces India’s strategic self-reliance goals and deepens bilateral defence ties with the United States. The Ministry of Defence is expected to issue a Request for Proposal for the MTA by late 2025.