NEW DELHI — American aerospace firm Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $328.8 million, five-year contract from the Indian Air Force to provide dedicated and comprehensive support for the Indian Air Force’s fleet of 12 C-130J-30 Super Hercules Aircraft.
Lockheed Martin is the original equipment manufacturer of the C-130Js, the tactical air-lifter of choice for 26 operators in 22 nations.
This Follow-On Support II contract allows Lockheed Martin teams to manage the program, logistics, and engineering support elements necessary to sustain the Indian Air Force’s C-130J fleet, as per an official release.
The contract spans five years, is a Direct Commercial Sale, and is a continuation of a prior five-year Follow-On Support I contract where Lockheed Martin provided similar support for the Indian Air Force’s C-130J fleet.
“As the C-130 OEM, Lockheed Martin brings forth an outstanding team of experts who offer deep knowledge and unmatched insights of the C-130 to our operators,” said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager Air Mobility and Maritime Missions, Lockheed Martin, in a press release.
“It is an honor to continue to partner with the Indian Air Force to support one of the most active C-130J fleets in the world. Through an integrated team and dedicated support, Lockheed Martin ensures the Indian Air Force’s C-130J fleet is available and ready for every mission.”
The Government of India announced its purchase of six C-130J Super Hercules air-lifters via a Foreign Military Sale with the U.S. Air Force in 2008. All aircraft were delivered on or ahead of schedule between 2010 and 2011. India received additional C-130Js in 2017 and in 2019.
The Indian Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules has a highly integrated and sophisticated configuration primarily designed to support India’s special operations requirements. The aircraft also is equipped with air-to-air receiver refueling capability for extended range operations.
India’s C-130Js are also used to support various critical missions, including humanitarian aid, airlift, natural disaster support, and search and rescue operations.
Recently, the Indian Air Force has been extensively using its fleet of 12 Super Hercules for humanitarian efforts in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and for transportation of relief materials, equipment, and personnel in the areas affected by cyclones Yaas and Tauktae.
India’s connection to the C-130J goes beyond its fleet of Super Hercules with the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited joint venture that is the single, global source of C-130J empennage assemblies included on all new Super Hercules aircraft.
Located in the southern Indian city, Hyderabad, Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited exemplifies the Government of India’s “Make in India” objectives and has delivered more than 120 empennages over its first ten years of operations.
(With inputs from ANI)
Edited by Saptak Datta and Praveen Pramod Tewari
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