MilDef has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Lockheed Martin to strengthen aerospace collaboration through Lockheed Martin’s C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifter offering for the Swedish Air Force (SwAF).
Through this partnership, the two organizations will identify partnership opportunities where MilDef solutions and expertise can be integrated into Lockheed Martin’s global aerospace and defense ecosystem.
MilDef provides military grade hardware, software and services that shield and protect critical information streams and systems, while Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that has deep ties with Sweden, which reportedly has the distinction of being first European operator of the C-130 Hercules tactical airlifter that is produced by Lockheed Martin.
The SwAF currently flies a C-130H fleet in support of its tactical airlift mission requirements. Sweden’s connections with the Lockheed Martin also include the Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter and the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor system.
Lockheed Martin is offering the C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifter for consideration to the Swedish Air Force (SwAF) as it prepares to modernize its C-130H fleet. A truly Nordic workhorse, the C-130J counts Denmark and Norway among its 26 operators in 22 nations.
The C-130J-30 provides the SwAF with a multitude of advantages found in no other medium-sized tactical airlifter in production or operation today. These discriminators include proven operational readiness with the greatest ease of transition, increased reliability, superior tactical airlift capabilities and engine-out performance with extended range.
The C-130J-30 also delivers unmatched interoperability with Nordic and global air forces, robust industrial partnerships and verified low life-cycle costs with significant fuel savings resulting in a reduced carbon footprint compared to other medium-sized jet airlifters.
To date, 540 C-130Js have been delivered and certified by over 20 airworthiness authorities, with the Super Hercules global fleet reaching almost 3 million flight hours.
“This partnership underpins the importance of industrial collaboration to provide the end customer with the best solution possible,” said Daniel Ljunggren, CEO MilDef Group. “We are truly honored to be selected by Lockheed Martin as a local partner for this important program and look forward to working together.”
Tony Frese, vice president of Business Development for the Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business at Lockheed Martin, said; “There’s a natural adjacency between MilDef and Lockheed Martin as we specialize in supporting truly tactical mission demands with advanced, proven and integrated solutions.
“Aligning our expertise with MilDef strengthens Lockheed Martin as we expand our relationships with Swedish industry to generate jobs and economic benefits, while also supporting Sweden’s air power mission through our C-130J-30 Super Hercules offering.”
