Minister for Defence Personnel, Greg Combet announced the start of the C-130J Hercules Through Life Support Programme at RAAF Base Richmond.

“Under a $292 million contract, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-130Js will today be inducted to an Australian Aerospace facility at RAAF Base Richmond for their routine deeper level maintenance servicing,” said Mr Combet.

“A total of 12 C-130J Hercules are operated by No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond. Three are deployed to the Middle East Area of Operations to provide airlift support to Operation Slipper – Australia’s military contribution to Afghanistan.

“The Defence Materiel Organisation, Royal Australian Air Force, Australian Aerospace and Lockheed Martin will work closely in order to provide ongoing support to the C-130J aircraft fleet, thereby increasing availability to the Air Force.

“I am pleased to advise that the contract is expected to create 80 additional industry jobs in the North West Sydney region.

“The initial contract is for five-years and was awarded to Australian Aerospace and sub-contractor Lockheed Martin. Further annual contract extensions will be linked to contractor performance and cost reduction.

“The Government expects a performance based contracting regime will improve the reliability of the C-130J through encouraging better innovation in maintenance practices and greater efficiency.”

Under the contract, Australian Aerospace and Lockheed Martin will deliver services including aircraft maintenance, engineering and supply chain management.

C-130J engine support will continue to be provided by StandardAero under an existing contract arrangement.