Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) announced Kiran Dambala’s appointment as chief operating officer on July 16, 2020. He succeeded Abhay Paranjape, who retired after 35 years of service with Lockheed Martin. The announcement described Dambala’s remit as strategic oversight of the company’s business and manufacturing activities. This is a report of a 2020 appointment, not confirmation that Dambala holds the role today.
When was Kiran Dambala appointed COO?
TLMAL announced the appointment on July 16, 2020. The company said Dambala would oversee its business and manufacturing activities and align them with planned strategies and commitments. Paranjape was the outgoing COO; the announcement said he was retiring after 35 years with Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin’s announcement and a contemporaneous industry report covered the appointment.
A 2024 LinkedIn post described Dambala as COO at that time, but the available dated information does not establish whether he remains in the position as of October 8, 2026. The post is a dated indication, not current official confirmation.
Who is Kiran Dambala?
According to the 2020 appointment announcement, Dambala had worked at Lockheed Martin since 2002 and had 25 years of experience across several industries. Immediately before joining TLMAL, he was program manager for modifications and upgrades in Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II program, acting as the main contact for domestic and international customers on upgrades intended to meet capability milestones.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- IFF antenna array in front of the cockpit distinguishes this CCIP-equipped model from other F-16s.
- Curved form of the F-16 accurately reproduced with trademark Tamiya precision.
- Moveable horizontal stabilizers. "Flaperons" can be modelled in the up or down positions.
- Full ordnance load including AGM-88 HARM, AIM-120C AMRAAM, AIM-9M/X Sidewinder, ECM pod, and fuel tanks included.
- Centerline and inner wing pylons as well as tail assembly feature polycaps to allow easy detachment for storage.
Before Lockheed Martin, he worked in internet startups, banking and shipping, in positions involving business analysis, planning, and IT product design and development. These details describe the background given in the 2020 announcement; they are not an independently updated biography.
In that announcement, Dambala said he was honored to lead TLMAL and linked the company’s work to India’s “Make in India” and “Skill India” policy themes and the development of indigenous defense capabilities. He also said he looked forward to building on Paranjape’s work and wished him well.
Rank #2
- Experience the legendary F-14 Tomcat through a highly detailed model designed for aviation collectors and hobby enthusiasts. The finished model becomes a striking desktop or showcase centerpiece.
- This 3D puzzle is designed for beginner-level assembly enthusiasts, offering an immersive hands-on building experience that helps cultivate patience, concentration, and mechanical problem-solving skills.
- This product is manufactured using high-quality, environmentally friendly plastic and employs an ultra-fine etching process to ensure durability, structural precision, and realistic aircraft details.
- Encourages understanding of aircraft engineering concepts while improving hand-eye coordination and spatial thinking through engaging mechanical assembly.
- Ideal gift for childs, engineers, collectors, model builders, and puzzle lovers for birthdays, Children’s Day, Christmas, or special hobby occasions.
What does Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures make?
TLMAL is described in the appointment coverage as a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. The company was established in 2010. The manufacturing details below are historical statements from the dated reports, not a complete account of current production.
C-130J empennage assemblies
The 2020 report described TLMAL as the single global source for C-130J Super Hercules empennage assemblies. An empennage is the aircraft’s tail assembly; the report specifies horizontal and vertical stabilizers, leading edges and tip assemblies. It also says TLMAL had previously manufactured C-130J center wing box components and operated a metal-to-metal bonding facility.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRank #3
- Revell Plastic Model Airplane Kit #85-5521 is skill level 4 and contains 165 parts. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
- Highly detailed cockpit with boarding ladder and clear canopy
- Pilot figure with realistic uniform details
- Model Scale 1:48
- Illustrated assembly instructions
Reported delivery milestones offer dated context: TLMAL’s 150th C-130J empennage delivery was reported in 2021 by Vayu Aerospace. In its Aero India 2023 coverage, Force India attributed to Dambala a figure of more than 190 empennages. These are dated milestones, not current production totals.
Fighter-wing production
The appointment report says fighter-wing production had been announced in 2018 and was underway at TLMAL’s Hyderabad facility in 2020. It does not establish the current status or volume of that work.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- QUICK SNAP-FIT ASSEMBLY — No glue, no mess: every precision-engineered piece clicks firmly into place so builders of all skill levels may complete their A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthog in one satisfying session without extra tools or adhesives.
- AUTHENTIC WARBIRD DETAIL — Faithfully recreates the iconic twin-engine, straight-wing attack jet with raised panel lines, movable control surfaces, and characteristic GAU-8 cannon nose for a display-ready replica straight out of the box.
- STEM-FRIENDLY BUILDING EXPERIENCE — The numbered part system and illustrated step-by-step guide introduce basic aerospace engineering concepts, supporting spatial reasoning and fine-motor development for builders ages 8 and up.
- DURABLE ABS CONSTRUCTION — High-impact ABS plastic parts resist warping and breakage, ensuring the finished model withstands shelf display, light handling, and proud show-and-tell moments for years to come.
- GREAT VALUE GIFT UNDER $25 — Thoughtfully packaged and priced at $21.99, this building set makes an ideal birthday, holiday, or any-occasion gift for aviation fans, military history enthusiasts, and hobbyist model builders alike.
What is not confirmed by the dated reports?
- Dambala’s current title after the 2024 social post.
- TLMAL’s present workforce; the 2020 appointment announcement reported 500 employees at that time.
- Current production totals or the present status of the fighter-wing work described as underway in 2020.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
