Lockheed Martin has secured a foreign military sale contract to deliver advanced C-130J training devices to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), in a move the company says will expand training capacity and support the growing fleet through its original equipment manufacturer manufacturing expertise.
In a media release, Lockheed Martin said the contract was awarded through Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and includes the delivery of two Weapon Systems Trainers, an Enhanced Integrated Cockpit Systems Trainer (EICS), a Loadmaster Part-Task Trainer, and upgrades to the RAAF’s Virtual Simulation and Virtual Maintenance Trainers. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2029.
“We’re honored to continue our long-standing partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force to enhance and expand their training capabilities,” said Todd Morar, vice president of Air and Commercial Systems at Lockheed Martin.
“As the original equipment manufacturer of the C-130J, our knowledge of the aircraft and its operational flight program enable us to provide the most authentic, mission-ready training tools available, preparing Australian aircrews to master the aircraft on day one.”
According to the company, the new devices will incorporate updated graphics, motion cueing and high-fidelity cockpit replication designed to mirror the operational C-130J aircraft.
Lockheed Martin said the systems are being built for concurrency with the RAAF’s forthcoming C-130J-30 acquisitions, allowing new capabilities to be fielded more rapidly.
Peter Ashworth, Director of Global Training Systems at Lockheed Martin Australia, said the focus was on readiness and capability.
“Our focus is preparing a mission-ready future force through the use of advanced technologies that reduce risk, cost and timelines, while improving capability to give Defence an operational edge,” he said. He added that the company looked forward to supporting the RAAF’s C-130J training requirements to ensure personnel are equipped with critical operational skills.
The RAAF has operated C-130 aircraft since 1958 and currently flies 12 C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft. Under a 2022 Foreign Military Sale agreement, the United States approved the potential sale of up to 24 additional C-130J-30 airlifters to Australia.
In July 2023, Australia exercised an option to acquire 20 new aircraft to replace and augment its existing fleet, with the first delivery expected in 2028. The expanded fleet will support tactical airlift operations, including those of No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond.
Lockheed Martin said the C-130J Super Hercules is operated by 28 operators across 25 nations, with more than 560 aircraft delivered and certified by over 20 airworthiness authorities.
