Second C-130J Super Hercules Delivered To Republic Of Tunisia

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Second C-130J Super Hercules Delivered To Republic Of Tunisia · Lockheed Martin

MARIETTA, Ga., Dec. 11, 2014 – The Republic of Tunisia received its second C-130J Super Hercules during a ceremony today at the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] facility here.

Tunisia received its first C-130J in April 2013, marking the first delivery of a J-model to an African nation. Lockheed Martin signed a contract in 2010 with Tunisia to deliver two C-130Js, as well as to provide training and an initial three years of logistics support.

“Tunisia’s Super Hercules fleet is both a national and a regional asset, able to support more missions than any other aircraft in operation today,” said George Shultz, vice president and general manager, C-130 Programs, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “We are proud to have Tunisia as a member of the global C-130J family. As legacy operators, Tunisian Air Force crews have long showcased why the C-130 is the world’s most versatile aircraft and continue to do so with its C-130J fleet.”

Tunisia’s new C-130Js are the longer fuselage or “stretched” variant of the aircraft. Tunisia’s new C-130Js will support operations across the mission spectrum, including relief efforts around the world, firefighting and traditional airlift sorties.

Sixteen countries have chosen the C-130J Super Hercules to meet their air mobility needs. The C-130J is the standard by which all other airlifters are measured in terms of availability, flexibility and reliability. With more than 1.2 million flight hours to date, the C-130J is available in nine variants and offers operators 17 different mission configurations.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.

 

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Arrival Ceremony for the Tunisian Air Force’s Second C-130J & Announcement of Tunisia’s Purchase of Eight UH-60M Helicopters

At a ceremony on Thursday, January 8, attended by U.S. Ambassador Jake Walles, Minister of Defense Ghazi Jeribi, and Brigadier General Bechir Bedoui, the Tunisian Air Force welcomed the arrival of their second C-130J aircraft and announced their decision to purchase eight armed UH-60M helicopters.

In 2010, Tunisia signed a contract to purchase two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft along with training and logistics support from the U.S. company, Lockheed Martin. The C-130J is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft capable of operating from dirt runways and is ideal for airlifting troops and equipment. In April 2013, Tunisia received its first C-130J which marked the first-ever delivery of this new model of aircraft on the continent. With both aircraft in Tunis, the Tunisian Air Force now has an enhanced capability to conduct a full spectrum of military operations throughout the country. This “stretched” variant of the C-130J is able to transport more personnel and cargo than legacy Tunisian C-130s and will be critical in supporting ongoing counterterrorism operations, humanitarian relief efforts, firefighting and traditional tactical airlift.

Minister Jeribi and Ambassador Walles also announced that on December 18, 2014, Tunisia signed an agreement to purchase eight armed UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters along with a complete logistics support and training program from the U.S. company, Sikorsky. The versatile Black Hawk will meet the country’s need for a multi-role helicopter. These aircraft will be used to augment the Tunisian Air Force’s existing helicopter fleet and will significantly enhance Tunisia’s military capabilities in the following areas: combat operations, precision engagement, troop transport, airborne reconnaissance, operations during hours of limited visibility, air mobility, search and rescue, and medical evacuation. The purchase of this rapid-reaction asset for use along Tunisia’s border and within its military zones will improve the Tunisian Armed Forces’ effectiveness in conducting counterterrorism operations and strengthen the country’s control of its borders. Delivery of the UH-60M helicopter is expected to begin in 2016.

The C-130J and UH-60M are tangible symbols of Tunisia’s commitment to securing its future and countering violent extremism and are yet another indication of the strong and expanding partnership between our two countries.
The United States is pleased to support these efforts and help Tunisia on its pathway to a secure and prosperous future. We are grateful for the strength of our deepening strategic partnership with Tunisia.