India to exercise options for six more Lockheed C-130-30Js
12 Feb 2010
New Delhi: American defence contractor, Lockheed Martin, has said it expects the Government of India (GoI) to shortly issue a Letter of Request (LoR) to the United States government for the acquisition of an additional six C-130-30J Super Hercules transport aircraft.
The C-130J – Image: Lockheed Martin |
Confirming the likelihood of additional orders, Lockheed's India head Roger Rose said, "We are expecting to receive a LoR soon from the Indian government for additional C-130Js."
He added the company was already preparing the infrastructure for housing the 12 C-130Js at Air Force Station Hindon at Ghaziabad near here.
As for transporters, the IAF already operates a fleet of Russian IL-76 heavy-lift and An-32 medium-lift aircraft. The C-130-30Js ordered by it will be configured for special operations and will be capable of carrying loads of 15-20 tonnes.
Acknowledging that the induction of the first C-130Js in the first quarter of 2011 was a priority, Rose also said the company was providing offsets worth around $300 million for the contract.