Lockheed Martin eyes for win-win partnerships at Aero India

The C-130J Super Hercules in IAF colours (above) will be Lockheed Martin's

star product at the show, in addition to the F-16s.

By Anantha Krishnan M

Express News Service

Bangalore:  A 20-member team from American plane-maker Lockheed Martin (LM) will touchdown in Bangalore for the Aero India-2013, hoping for new opportunities in aerospace and defence sector. As they get down to business hours in the cozy comforts of air show pavilions, the Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots will take the newly-inducted mammoth LM-built beast – the C-130J Super Hercules turbo-prop military transport aircraft— on a date, displaying its cool flying features.

In an interview to Express on Wednesday, Abhay Paranjape, Director, Business Development, Lockheed Martin National Executive, India, said that this time his team is hitting Bangalore with multiple agenda. “Meeting potential customers, suppliers and expanding our relationship with Indian industries tops our mission. We are definitely looking to expand  our presence in India, especially after the induction of C-130Js,” Abhay said. He said the LM team also hopes to establish win-win partnerships, in addition to identifying potential suppliers, to fulfil Ministry of Defence's offset policy.

He confirmed that the talks for the IAF acquiring additional six more C-130Js have reached advanced stages. “The IAF has given a letter of request for additional six aircraft based on which a letter of acceptance was  issued. The modalities are being worked out by both Indian and US governments. The discussions are in potentially final stages,” Abhay said. The IAF No 77 Squadron already operates six C-130Js. 

For the flying display, there won't be any aircraft from the LM's side this time. However, the US Air Force would be bringing the F-16s. When asked about the slowdown in the aerospace sector, Abhay said: “It is still growing, may be not at the rate it was. We see India as a growing market.”

Wants to work with DRDO on UAVs: Lockheed Martin says it has expressed interest for joining hands with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for India's future unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programmes. “We have recently exhibited our expertise by joining hands with Delhi Technological University and gave expertise for student to develop a UAV. We are willing to work with DRDO for various urban UAV programmes. If DRDO is desring then we would work together for some really exciting UAV projects,” Abhay said.

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IAF inducts C-130J Super Hercules; will now fly to Bangalore for Aero India

The official touchdown of C-130J at Hindan AF base. Photo: IAF

Together with the raising of No. 77 Squadron, named ‘Veiled Vipers’, the Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted the first C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft, procured from the United States of America (USA), into service at IAF’s Hindan airbase, today. The squadron will have all of six aircraft after their phased arrival by end 2011.

At an induction ceremony held in the airbase, Defence Minister A.K. Antony handed over the keys of the aircraft to the Commanding Officer of No. 77 Squadron, Group Captain Tejbir Singh, in the presence of Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal PV Naik, marking its formal induction.

Gp Capt Tejbir later conducted the Defence Minister and Air Chief around the aircraft. As the dignitaries proceeded inside, a section of IAF’s Special Forces ‘Garuds’ in combat suits jumped off from the rear of the aircraft in a symbolic display of their future integration with the squadron.

The event was also attended by Defence Secretary, Pradeep Kumar, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal NAK Browne, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command (WAC), Air Marshal DC Kumaria and other senior IAF officials, including personnel of the newly raised squadron.

Adopting ‘Kill with Stealth’ as their motto, the tactical airlift aircraft will be able to undertake quick deployment of ‘Special Forces’ in all weather conditions, including airdrops and landings on unprepared or semi-prepared surface even in complete darkness. Capable of undertaking low-level air-to-air refueling to enhance its range, rapid forward basing of personnel and equipment in emergent situations would be one of its multifaceted roles.

The war time employability will include special air operations, airborne operations, air transported operations, air supply operations, air maintenance operations and casualty evacuation among other roles. The peacetime roles include operations and air maintenance in mountainous terrain in adverse circumstances, UN or multinational missions, humanitarian assistance including disaster relief and evacuation of Indian Diaspora during emergencies and crisis situations.

The Super Hercules inducted was flown to India by the pilots of the newly formed squadron from USA. The IAF aircraft will make its debut appearance at the Aero India-2011, at Bengaluru, from February 9-13.

 Photos: MoD