Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin announced on December 8 the start of construction for a new Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Bengaluru. The facility will support the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. Construction is set to finish by 2026, with the first C-130 expected for MRO in early 2027. Located at Bhatramarenahalli near Kempegowda International Airport, this MRO will handle depot-level and heavy maintenance, component repair, structural checks, avionics upgrades, and more. It will also train Indian engineers and open new chances for Indian suppliers. Frank St. John, COO of Lockheed Martin, said, "Today’s groundbreaking reflects how far our collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems and India has come, and where we’re headed together. For more than seven decades, we’ve grown alongside India’s expanding aerospace and defence industrial base. This new C-130 MRO facility strengthens that foundation. It brings world-class sustainment capability into India, improves readiness for the Indian Air Force, and creates opportunities that will support regional and global C-130 operators. We remain committed to building capability for India and from India for decades to come." Rod McLean, VP and GM at Lockheed Martin, added, "The C-130J Super Hercules is a proven workhorse for India’s military and humanitarian missions. This defence MRO facility will bolster response time and security in the Pacific, ensure world-class sustainment capability within India, aligning with the country’s ambitions while advancing sustainment capability for the C-130J fleet across the globe."