Italy replaced its C-130H inventory with C-130Js from 2000, pictured above in Afghanistan. (Photo: Italian Ministry of Defence)
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.
By combining established manufacturing capacity with startup aircraft design, the partnership could offer an alternative approach to scaling military uncrewed aircraft production.
Poland is seeking to update its transport helicopters as part of a wider military aviation modernisation programme, with EU funding requirements and NATO interoperability key considerations.
Poland’s growing investment in UAVs highlights how recurring procurement contracts and continuous technological development can provide suppliers with sustained opportunities beyond initial acquisitions.
Saab is developing artificial intelligence (AI) agents for crewed and uncrewed aircraft, targeting potential operational deployment within months, while expanding its training capabilities, partnerships and ambitions for wider military applications.
Israel’s $1 billion Apache helicopter order highlights the continued demand for crewed attack aviation, while growing integration with uncrewed systems could shape future modernisation and procurement decisions.
The US Navy plans to preserve Super Hornet and Growler tooling as production winds down, with restart costs unassessed and final F/A-18 deliveries expected in late 2027.
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