Lockheed Martin Forging Supplier India: F-35 and C-130 Components

August 4, 2026


Lockheed Martin — the world’s largest defence contractor procures forged titanium and alloy steel structural components for the F-35 Lightning II, C-130J Super Hercules, and F-22 Raptor. Indian forging manufacturers with AS9100D, ITAR compliance infrastructure, and demonstrated defence forging history are positioned to supply Lockheed Martin through established US tier-1 suppliers.

SystemForgingMaterialClassification
Wing structureMain spar attach fittingsTi-6Al-4V STAPrimary structure
FuselageBulkhead sectionsTi-6Al-4V, 300MPrimary structure
Landing gearMain gear beam300MSafety critical
Engine airframeInterface structuralTi-6Al-4VPrimary structure

The F-35 programme applies Lockheed Martin’s SQAR (Supplier Quality Assurance Requirements) — which mandates NADCAP for all primary structure heat treatment and NDE, ITAR compliance for all programme technical data, and AS9100D with full forge-to-finish scope.

ITAR sensitivity: F-35 is among the most ITAR-sensitive US defence programmes. All F-35 technical data including structural forging drawings is ITAR-controlled. A TAA between Lockheed Martin and the Indian forging manufacturer is required before any F-35 drawings are transmitted to India. DDTC processing: 3–6 months.

Practical access: Through US tier-1 aerospace machining companies who are already F-35 qualified and subcontract forging to pre-qualified Indian sources. C-130J supply is a more accessible Lockheed Martin entry point lower ITAR sensitivity and shorter qualification timelines than F-35.

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Vinir Engineering’s Capability

  1. AS9100D full scope, OASIS verifiable.
  2.  Ti-6Al-4V STA forgings with alpha case control.
  3. 300M processing with VAR input material.
  4. AMS 2750-calibrated heat treatment.
  5. FPI to AMS 2647.
  6. ITAR awareness procedure in place.
  7. TCP preparation capability for F-35 programme engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.What is Lockheed Martin’s SQAR and how does it differ from standard AS9100D for F-35 supply?+–
Lockheed Martin’s SQAR (Supplier Quality Assurance Requirements) adds to AS9100D: mandatory NADCAP for heat treatment and NDE on all primary structure, mandatory AS9102 FAIR for every new part number, mandatory lot traceability to F-35 aircraft serial number level, and mandatory ITAR compliance verification before any programme data is transmitted. For Indian forging manufacturers, the NADCAP requirement is the most significant SQAR addition it is the hard gate that must be cleared before any F-35 primary structure forgings can be produced.