Lockheed Martin bags $328m contract to give 12 C-130J-30s to IAF
US aviation giant, Lockheed Martin, has bagged a fiveyear contract worth $328.8 million from the Indian Air Force (IAF) to provide dedicated and comprehensive support to its fleet of 12 C130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft.
The company which is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the C130Js — the tactical airlifters of choice for 26 operators in 22 nations — stated on Tuesday that through the Follow On Support II (FOS) contract, its teams manage the program, logistics and engineering support elements necessary to sustain the IAF’s C-130J fleet.
The contract spans a fiveyear-period, is a direct commercial sale, and is a continuation of a prior five-year FOS I contract where Lockheed Martin provided similar support for the IAF’s C-130J fleet.
Lockheed Martin vice- president and general manager (air mobility & maritime missions) Rod McLean said, “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. It is an honor to continue to partner with the IAF to support one of the most active C130J fleets in the world. Through an integrated team and dedicated support, Lockheed Martin ensures the IAF’s C-130J fleet is available and ready for every mission.”
The FOS II contract includes Lockheed Martin’s sustainment efforts for the IAF’s entire Super Hercules fleet, as well as extended options including Lockheed Martin support for the C130J airframe, Contractor Furnished Equipment, peculiar and common spareable items, engines, propellers, software, publication services, ground handling equipment, ground support equipment and test equipment.
Eight employees from Lockheed Martin, GE (propeller manufacturer) and Rolls-Royce (engine manufacturer) serve as on-site technical support for the duration of the contract. 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 Center beginning in 2022.