US-based defence and aerospace behemoth Lockheed Martin which recently got the Government of India’s approval for the second tranche of C-130J Super Hercules heavy-lift aircraft, is presently focused on three programme—the C-130J; the maritime helicopter offering and the Javelin missile (along with Raytheon). The Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin India Phil Shaw underscored this focus at Defexpo and added the dialogue with private and public companies continued at the show.

Lockheed Martin has several programmes and capabilities on offer to India such as the guided multiple launch rocket system (GMLRS); Hellfire II modular missile system; unmanned aerial vehicles ranging from micro-UAVs such as the Stalker or the Desert Hawk III to larger platforms like the Reaper; the Aegis combat system, etc. The company is clear in its strategy—to keep the Indian market aware of these programmes and to work in partnership with Indian companies to expand its presence here.

At Defexpo, the company highlighted these capabilities. Phil Shaw said that “the MH-60R ‘Romeo’ manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corp and equipped with advanced mission systems and sensors by Lockheed Martin is the most capable and mature antisubmarine/anti-surface warfare helicopter. It packs a lot of punch. We have transferred technology and know-how of similar capabilities before in the United Kingdom, for the Royal Navy Merlin Helicopter programme and would love to do something similar in India with a partner to develop an indigenous systems integration capability. We are talking to both public and private sector companies. The partnership with the Tatas was established in record time and the joint venture last year delivered the C-130J Empennage.”