Lockheed Martin and TASL bid USD 10.5 billion tender for 60 transport aircraft
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Industry, investment & MSMEs· Prelims + Mains·
Defense procurement and 'Make in India' in aerospace: a GS3 case study on strategic autonomy.
Why in news
Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have bid for a USD 10.5 billion Indian government tender to supply 60 medium transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
Background
The tender involves 12 flyaway aircraft and 48 aircraft to be manufactured in India. The proposal includes upgrading the IAF's existing 12 C-130J aircraft to create a common fleet of 72 aircraft.
Facts for Prelims
- FactThe total value of the tender for 60 medium transport aircraft is USD 10.5 billion.
- FactThe proposal includes 12 flyaway aircraft and 48 aircraft to be manufactured in India.
- FactThe current IAF C-130J fleet consists of 12 aircraft with over 58,000 flight hours.
- BodyTASL (Tata Advanced Systems Limited) is a key Indian partner in the Lockheed Martin bid.
- BodyHindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is one of the five Indian companies competing for the contract.
Prelims practice question
How many aircraft in the Lockheed Martin and TASL proposal are designated to be manufactured in India?
- (a)72
- (b)48
- (c)60
- (d)12
Show answer
Answer: (b) 48 — The proposal includes 12 flyaway aircraft and 48 aircraft to be manufactured in India.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the 'Make in India' initiative in the aerospace sector can enhance India's strategic autonomy and industrial capabilities.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Technology transfer: Balancing indigenous manufacturing requirements with foreign intellectual property rights
- Supply chain integration: Transitioning from component assembly to full-scale aircraft manufacturing in India
- Strategic autonomy: Reducing import reliance for high-altitude and humanitarian transport capabilities
Keywords: Make in India · Aerospace manufacturing · Strategic autonomy · Defense procurement · Technology transfer
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.