American defence major Lockheed Martin will showcase its diverse portfolio of defence capabilities and solutions at the 12th biennial edition of India’s DEFEXPO 2022, starting from October 18 to 22 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The company’s exhibit this year includes a broad span of advanced technologies from aeronautics, rotary and mission systems, and missiles and fire control business areas. Showcasing commitment to self-reliant India, Lockheed Martin’s prime attraction at the exhibition this year will be one of the most technologically advanced complex aerostructures – a “Made in India”, fuel-carrying, 9G, 12,000 hours, interchangeable/replaceable fighter wing.
This wing was manufactured at Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) facility in Hyderabad. TLMAL exemplifies the government of India’s “Make in India” goals and serves as the single global source of C-130J empennage assemblies installed on all new Super Hercules aircraft. To date, TLMAL has manufactured and exported more than 180 C-130J empennages.
India’s workhorse, the C-130J Super Hercules airlifter, which represents a strong legacy of partnership between India and the US, will also be on display at the Lockheed Martin booth. The IAF uses its fleet to support a variety of missions, from cargo delivery to providing vital humanitarian aid. The Indian Air Force (IAF) extensively used its fleet of Super Hercules for humanitarian efforts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and transportation of relief materials, equipment and personnel in the areas affected by cyclones Yaas and Tauktae.
F-21 fighter aircraft
In a relentless pursuit to pitch its F-21 fighter aircraft to the Indian Air Force, the company will showcase its product and occupy a prominent place at Lockheed Martin’s exhibition booth. According to the statement, the aircraft is leveraging both 4th and 5th generation technologies to offer the best solution to meet or exceed the IAF’s capability needs, provide Make in India industrial opportunities, and accelerate India-US cooperation on advanced technologies, including but not limited to fighter aircraft. The statement states that the F-21 demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s commitment to delivering an advanced, scalable single-engine fighter to the IAF – For India, From India.
MH-60R “Romeo” multi-mission helicopter
The Indian Navy’s recent acquisition of the MH-60R “Romeo” multi-mission helicopter is another highlight for Lockheed Martin at the show. The MH-60R is the world’s most advanced maritime helicopter and brings vital anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities to the Indo-Pacific region. The MH-60R is the latest thread in the stories of Lockheed Martin and U.S.-India partnerships. The US Navy delivered the first three aircraft to the Indian Navy in 2021. In July-August 2022, the US Navy transported to India another three helicopters, which will be initially based at Naval Air Station INS Garuda in Kochi. 24 MH-60Rs will be delivered in the country over the next few years.
The S-92 helicopter, best in class for safety and reliability, will also boost Lockheed Martin’s presence at the show. The S-92 helicopter recently surpassed 2 million fleet flight hours which is a testament to the reliability of the multi-mission aircraft.
Javelin anti-tank guided missile system
As part of the Javelin Joint Venture, Lockheed Martin also produces the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system. This versatile and effective one-man-portable and platform-employed multi-target precision weapon system provide the capability to defeat a broad spectrum of close combat threats on the modern battlefield. Using fire-and-forget technology, the weapon guides itself to the target without external commands, allowing soldiers to take cover or reposition. With a range of 65 meters to 4 kilometres in most operational conditions and the ability to operate through adverse weather and battlefield obscurants, Javelin can be deployed in various environments and conditions.
Commenting on the prospect of India’s DEFEXPO 2022, the Vice President and Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin India, William L Blair, said, “Lockheed Martin is committed to assisting in the growth of India’s strategic security capabilities and development of an indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem in India. Our joint ventures with Tata and industrial relationships with many Indian companies such as Ashok Leyland, Lakshmi Machine Works, Midhani, Rossell Techsys, and SASMOS, among others, are a testament to the success of the government of India’s mission to create ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in the defence sector,”
“Participating at DEFEXPO 2022 gives us the opportunity to showcase our advanced technologies and innovative capabilities directly to the largest gathering of defence and aerospace partners and our customers in India,” Blair said. “We look forward to engaging with our customers and industry partners to discuss their key priorities for the advancement of India’s national security, indigenous production and human capital development agendas,” he added further.
Team BharatShakti
