Lockheed Martin produces the first KC-130J for Germany

Germany’s first KC-130J Hercules refueling transport aircraft rolled out of Lockheed Martin’s Marietta, Georgia, facility on January 26. (Lockheed Martin)

The first Lockheed Martin KC-130J refueling aircraft for Germany rolled out of the company’s Marietta, Georgia, facility on January 26.

To date, the Luftwaffe has received two “stretch” C-130J-30 air transport aircraft, which they operate with the French Air Force (Armee de l’Air et de l’Espace: AAE) as part of the joint aerospace complex C -130. transport squadron.

The Luftwaffe is contributing three KC-130Js and three C-130J-30s, while the AAE is providing two KC-130Js and two C-130J-30s for a combined fleet of five KC-130Js and five C-130J-30s. France has received all of its aircraft, while deliveries to Germany are due to be completed by the end of 2024.

The C-130 Airlift Squadron at Eure-Faville Air Force Base in northern France will have unlimited aircraft, crew and maintenance sharing, as well as technical and logistical support based on a common spare parts pool and a common maintenance contract. . “Ten planes, two countries, one association – nothing like this has ever happened in Europe,” the Bundeswehr said earlier.