Italy approves C-130J Hercules support contract
Italy replaced its C-130H inventory with C-130Js from 2000, pictured above in Afghanistan. (Photo: Italian Ministry of Defence)
The contract between the Italian Air Force, Avio Aero, Leonardo and Lockheed Martin for C-130J support has been approved.
The €380 million contract for the technical-logistical support of the Italian Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules has been approved by the Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness Directorate.
The contract lasts for five years and is signed between the air force and the temporary business grouping formed by Avio Aero, Leonardo and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
As part of the contract, the business grouping will implement a technical-logistical model that provides integrated logistical support and both in house and on-site engineering support.
Aircraft maintenance activities are also envisaged as were repairs, spare parts, material logistics, inspection activities software and technical publications maintenance and updates.
According to Pierfederico Scarpa, VP of strategy marketing and sales at Avio Aero, commented that the company will provide a performance-based logistics service to support the AE 2100D3 engines.
Lockheed Martin brings its OEM insights to ensure the platforms are more effective and can respond to the needs of the Italian Air Force.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, 20 C-130J aircraft are in use with the Italian Air Force.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium trajectory continues to climb (updated 2026)]()
Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium trajectory continues to climb (updated 2026)
The medium airlift aircraft is swiftly becoming the top pick for an array of countries wishing to enhance their tactical transport capabilities.
-
![USAF’s T-7A Red Hawk programme progresses with low-rate production to start in 2026]()
USAF’s T-7A Red Hawk programme progresses with low-rate production to start in 2026
The T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer for the US Air Force reaching Milestone C is the first step towards production for the first batch of 14 aircraft, with training expected to start by 2028.
-
![Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story]()
Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story
The success of the Akinci drone stems from Turkey’s push for domestically produced components – which has led to fewer export restrictions – and from manufacturer Baykar’s willingness to coproduce the drone with customers’ domestic industries.
-
![Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030]()
Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030
Lithuania has committed significant funding towards expanding its UAV capabilities, with more than $54 million already spent and substantial additional investment planned through to 2029. Alongside domestic procurement, the country has also acquired various drones to support Ukraine.
-
![Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market]()
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
