France received its first C-130J Super Hercules aircraft on Jan. 15, with three more to be delivered through 2019 as part of a foreign military sale with the U.S. government.
Lockheed Martin’s [LMT] C-130J-30 combat delivery airlifter was delivered to the Orléans-Bricy Air Base in France for its Armée de l’Air’s 62st Transport Wing.
Under the FMS, France will eventually receive another C-130J-30 air and two KC-130J aerial refuelers.
“As a long-time Hercules operator, France has continuously demonstrated to the world the unmatched qualities and versatility found only in a C-130,” said George Shultz, vice president of Air Mobility & Maritime Missions for Lockheed Martin, in a statement. “France’s new Super Hercules fleet delivers increased power, speed and capabilities to ensure that Armée de l’Air crews continue to meet — and exceed — mission requirements for decades to come.”
France has operated C-130H aircraft since 1987, and the C-130Js will be integrated into its existing Hercules fleet.