17 November 2022, the German C130J landed for the first time at the Eindhoven Military Airbase. Brigadier General Stéphane Gourg, Chief of Staff EATC profited from the occasion to visit the aircraft under the professional guidance of the mixed crew.

The crew of the C130J also took part in EATC’s “Training & Exercise” planning conference. The German C130Js are stationed at the French-German Binational Air Transport C130J Squadron (BATS) in Evreux, France. The first German asset was delivered only recently and had its first operational flight in June 2022. You can find more information about BATS clicking here. 

https://eatc-mil.com/post/the-german-c130j-visits-eatc

AUSTRALIA – C-130J-30 AIRCRAFT

pm-cpa@state.gov

WASHINGTON, November 2, 2022 – The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of C-130J-30 aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $6.35 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Australia has requested to buy twenty-four (24) C-130J-30 aircraft with four (4) each Rolls Royce AE-2100D turboprop engines installed; twenty-four (24) Rolls Royce AE-2100D turboprop engines with Quick Engine Change Assembly (QECA) and propellers installed (spares); sixty (60) Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System (GPS/INS) (EGI) security devices, airborne (48 installed, 12 spares); thirty-two (32) AN/ALQ-251 Radio Frequency Countermeasure (RFCM) systems; twenty-seven (27) Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies (GLTA) for Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) systems (24 installed, 3 spares); sixteen (16) AN/AAQ 24(V)N LAIRCM System Processor Replacements (LSPR) (12 installed, 4 spares); and twenty-four (24) Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) (installed). Also included are AN/AAQ 24(V)N LAIRCM Infrared Missile Warning Sensors (MWS), Control Interface Unit Replacements (CIRU), and classified memory card User Data Modules (UDM); KYV-5M communication security modules; AN/ARC-190 High Frequency (HF) radios; AN/ARC-210 radios; AN/ARN-153 tactical airborne navigation (TACAN) systems; AN/ARN-147 receivers; AN/ARN-149(V) automatic direction finders; AN/APX-119 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponders; AN/AAR 47 missile warning systems; AN/APN-241 Low-Power Color Radars (LPCR); AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing Systems (CMDS); AN/ALR-56 Radar Warning Receivers (RWR); AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders; MX-20HD electro optical/infrared targeting systems; AN/KIV-77 IFF cryptographic appliques; Advanced Digital Antenna Production (ADAP) system components; integration support and test equipment; aircraft and support equipment; secure communications equipment, precision navigation, and cryptographic devices; classified software delivery and support; spare and repair parts, consumables and accessories; maintenance and maintenance support; classified manuals, publications, and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment, and U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total cost is $6.35 billion.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.

The proposed sale will improve Australia’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing the Royal

Australian Air Force (RAAF) with replacements for its aging cargo fleet, guaranteeing a reliable airlift capability, and allowing the RAAF to improve its overall operational capability. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Corporation, Marietta, GA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Australia.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law. The description and dollar value is for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department’s Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/australia-c-130j-30-aircraft

1 November 2022

Defence is replacing and expanding its current medium air mobility fleet of 12 C-130J Hercules aircraft via Project AIR 7404 Phase 1.

The C-130J Hercules variant is a reliable and combat proven aircraft operated by the Royal Australian Air Force since 1999.

Defence has approached a number of aircraft manufacturers and received information on all available medium air mobility options. The relative merits of each aircraft type have been assessed against Australia’s capability requirements.

Defence seeks a low risk, certified in all roles, proven, mature and affordable replacement aircraft that meets Australia’s air mobility needs. Project principles have incorporated lessons learned from previous major Defence acquisitions as well as the in-service experience with the current C‑130J fleet.

Defence has identified that the new C-130J aircraft represents the only option that meets all of Australia’s capability requirements and assures Defence’s medium air mobility capability without introducing substantial cost, schedule and capability risk.

As a result, new C-130J aircraft will be the only option that Defence will progress for Government approval under Project AIR 7404 Phase 1 in 2023.