Lockheed Martin will deliver C-130J training equipment to the Royal Australian Air Force.

Investing.com – Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) announced on Wednesday that it has secured an foreign military sales contract to provide C-130J training equipment and upgrade services to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

The contract was awarded through Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and includes two weapons system trainers, an enhanced integrated cockpit system trainer, a cargo loadmaster trainer, and upgrades to existing virtual simulation and virtual maintenance trainers. Delivery is scheduled to begin in 2029.

Todd Moraral, Vice President of Aerospace and Commercial Systems at Lockheed Martin, stated, “We are honored to continue our long-term partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force to enhance and expand their training capabilities.”

The new training devices feature advanced graphics technology, motion cueing systems, and high-fidelity cockpit replication, matching the actual operation of the C-130J. These simulators are compatible with the C-130J-30 aircraft that the RAAF is about to procure.

Peter Ashworth, Director of Global Training Systems for Lockheed Martin Australia, said, “Our focus is on developing future forces capable of mission success through the use of advanced technology, which can reduce risk, cost, and time while increasing capability, providing a combat advantage for the defense sector.”

The RAAF has operated C-130 aircraft since 1958 and currently owns 12 C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft. Under the 2022 foreign military sales agreement, Australia was authorized to purchase up to 24 additional C-130J-30 transport aircraft. In July 2023, Australia exercised this option, officially ordering 20 new C-130J-30 aircraft to replace and expand its existing fleet.

The first of these new aircraft is expected to arrive in 2028, enhancing the RAAF’s tactical airlift capability and supporting No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond.

The C-130J Super Hercules is in service with 28 operators across 25 countries. Over 560 C-130Js have been delivered, with certification from more than 20 airworthiness authorities, and the global fleet has accumulated over 3 million flight hours.

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