Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Leonardo signed an agreement related to increased potential future maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the fleet of C-130J Super Hercules airlifters across Europe, the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA).
Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin is further integrating Leonardo into its strong network of support for the proven C-130, as a MRO Center for the operators located in these territories.
As this opportunity takes shape, Lockheed Martin looks to provide Leonardo with technical assistance, equipment, and training required to further improve the relevant capabilities in Italy, strengthening the strategic hub for the maintenance and sustainability of the fleet of C-130Js. The companies could also explore additional future business opportunities related to C-130J maintenance and sustainment. More than 570 C-130Js have been delivered to a partner network of 27 countries globally, including 16 in Europe and MENA which are all potential users of the Italian MRO facility.
A further enhanced MRO service center in Italy will allow C-130J users across the territories to maximize the effectiveness of their multirole airlifters by delivering original equipment manufacturer-certified and constantly updated services, ensuring superior planning capabilities, proximity and readiness of worldwide fleets. Such a service center will also improve efficiency and interoperability across NATO’s C-130J fleet in Europe.
This initial agreement to explore the possibility of Leonardo becoming an MRO service center for these territories leverages a 20-year relationship between Lockheed Martin and Leonardo delivering technical-logistical support to the Italian Air Force’s Super Hercules fleet and its recognized expertise in tactical airlifter maintenance, built on its longstanding role as OEM and MRO provider of the multi-mission Leonardo C-27J aircraft.
Many Air Forces employ the C-27J alongside the C-130J as a complementary asset, relying on its agility, short-field performance and rapid reconfiguration to reach austere airstrips.
“As requirements evolve, so does the Super Hercules thanks to approved C-130 service centers that increase the readiness of fleets and create resiliency for the region and global community,” said Trish Pagan, vice president, Lockheed Martin Air Mobility and Maritime Missions. “Investment and teaming with Leonardo will create a better capability for Europe and an ability to expand services to other regions.”
“The decision to expand Leonardo footprint within the C-130J MRO market and to increase our level of responsibility, managing the C-130J fleet across such an important and diversified region, demonstrates the recognized quality of our MRO performance and we have all the necessary and proven capabilities to make sure customer satisfaction is met, and with the level of responsiveness users require,” said Tommaso Pani, SVP Marketing and Sales, Leonardo Aeronautics. “We thank Lockheed Martin for their trust in Leonardo, and we look forward to starting activities for this new endeavor.”
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