Lockheed Martin gets contract to keep India's C-130J Super Hercules in shape
By Anish Kumar | First Published Aug 24, 2021, 3:16 PM ISTTeams from Lockheed Martin, who built the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, will handle the program, engineering and logistics support requirements needed to sustain the Indian Air Force fleet.
Indian Air Force has awarded a contract worth $328.8 million to US-based defence and aerospace equipment manufacturer Lockheed Martin to provide dedicated and comprehensive support for its fleet of 12 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
The contract has been awarded for the next five years.
Teams from Lockheed Martin, who built the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, will handle the program, engineering and logistics support requirements needed to sustain the Indian Air Force fleet.
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The Follow On Support II contract is a continuation of a prior five-year contract where Lockheed Martin provided similar support for IAF's C-130J fleet.
As the C-130 original equipment manufacturer, Lockheed Martin said it was proud to be associated with the Indian Air Force to support one of the most active C-130J fleets in the world.
The dedicated support team of Lockheed Martin will ensure that the IAF's C-130J fleet is available and ready for every mission.
The contract includes support for the C-130J airframe, common spareable items, contractor furnished equipment, engines, propellers, software, test equipment, ground handling equipment and ground support equipment.
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Additionally, five of the IAF C-130Js will undergo a 12-year servicing at a Lockheed Martin-approved Heavy Maintenance Centre in 2022.
India ordered six C-130J Super Hercules airlifters in 2008 through a Foreign Military Sale contract with the US Air Force. All aircraft were delivered between 2010 and 2011. India took possession of additional C-130Js in 2017 and 2019.
The IAF C-130Js have a highly sophisticated configuration designed to support the country's special operations needs. They also are equipped with air-to-air receiver refuelling capability for an extended range.
India has been deploying the C-130Js for many critical missions and humanitarian aid operations, including Covid-19 aid material deployment crisscrossing the country.
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