Lockheed Martin to support Indian Air Force’s C-130J fleet

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a US$328m five-year contract from the Indian Air Force (IAF) to provide support for the service’s fleet of 12 C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft.

In an August 24 announcement Lockheed Martin stated that the Follow On Support (FOS) II contract was a continuation of a previous award to support the IAF’s C-130J fleet and included options on airframe, engines, propeller, ground handling and support equipment sustainment.

IAF C-130J — **First acquiring the C-130 platform in 2008, India has gone on to procure additional airframes in support of its tactical airlift requirements.** Lockheed Martin

Additionally, through the FOS II contract, five C-130J Hercules aircraft will undergo 12-year servicing (depot maintenance) at a Lockheed Martin-approved heavy maintenance centre beginning in 2022.

India announced its purchase of six C-130J Super Hercules airlifters via a Foreign Military Sale with the US Air Force in 2008 with all aircraft delivered between 2010 and 2011. India received additional C-130Js in 2017 and 2019.

Lockheed Martin stated the IAF’s C-130J Super Hercules have a “highly integrated and sophisticated configuration” primarily designed to support India's special operations requirement. The aircraft are also equipped with air-to-air receiver refuelling capability for extended range operations.