Lockheed Martin has secured a foreign military sale contract to supply a range of C-130J training devices and associated upgrades to the Royal Australian Air Force. The award was announced by the company on Wednesday and was processed through Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
The scope of the contract encompasses several discrete training systems. Specifically, Lockheed Martin will deliver two Weapon Systems Trainers, an Enhanced Integrated Cockpit Systems Trainer, and a Loadmaster Part-Task Trainer. The agreement also covers upgrades to the RAAF's existing Virtual Simulation and Virtual Maintenance Trainers. According to the company, deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2029.
Lockheed Martin framed the program as a continuation of its long-term relationship with the RAAF. Todd Morar, vice president of Air and Commercial Systems at Lockheed Martin, said the company is honored to extend that partnership and to support the expansion of Australian training capabilities.
"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.
The new devices are described as matching the operational C-130J in several technical areas. They will incorporate advanced graphics, motion cueing, and high-fidelity cockpit replication. Lockheed Martin noted that the simulators are designed to be compatible with the RAAF's pending C-130J-30 acquisitions.
Peter Ashworth, Director of Global Training Systems for Lockheed Martin Australia, emphasized the program's focus on delivering a mission-ready future force through the application of advanced technologies. He said the training systems aim to reduce risk, lower costs and shorten timelines while improving capability to provide Defence with an operational edge.
"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," said Peter Ashworth, Lockheed Martin Australia’s Director of Global Training Systems.
The contract aligns with Australia’s broader C-130J fleet plans. The RAAF has operated C-130 aircraft since 1958 and currently fields 12 C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft. Under a 2022 foreign military sale agreement, Australia obtained approval to acquire up to 24 additional C-130J-30 airlifters. In July 2023, Australia exercised that option by formally acquiring 20 new C-130J-30 aircraft to replace and expand its fleet.
Australia expects the first of those newly ordered aircraft to arrive in 2028. The incoming airlifters are intended to bolster tactical airlift capacity and to support No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond.
Globally, the C-130J Super Hercules operates with 28 operators across 25 nations. More than 560 C-130Js have been delivered and certified by over 20 airworthiness authorities, and the worldwide fleet has accumulated in excess of 3 million flight hours.