India to exercise options for six more Lockheed C-130-30Js

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

This will be over and above the six C-130-30J aircraft ordered by it in an inter-governmental deal in 2007. In placing the $1 billion order the GoI had retained options for six more of these aircraft. With the additional orders, the number of such aircraft on order will go up to 12.

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.