Media Room: Media Releases

MSPA 071/09                                                                         Wednesday, 11 March 2009

NEW ERA FOR C-130J THROUGH LIFE SUPPORT

The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) today awarded a contract to Australian Aerospace and sub-contractor Lockheed Martin to provide Through Life Support services for the RAAF fleet of C-130J Hercules aircraft.

DMO’s Head Aerospace Division, Air Vice-Marshal, Colin Thorne said the Through Life Support Contract, valued at $292 million, offered the best value for money for Defence and the Australian taxpayer.

“This contract will provide innovative solutions to C-130J maintenance and is designed to reduce the cost of ownership into the future.

“The DMO, 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,” Air Vice-Marshal Thorne said.

The five-year performance based contract links annual contract extensions to contractor performance and cost reduction, thereby promoting efficiency and delivering real cost savings. 

Subject to contractor performance, support of C-130J aircraft will continue under this contracting strategy until the fleet’s planned withdrawal date.

 “This contract will create over 80 additional industry jobs in the Sydney/Richmond area over the next twelve months,” Air Vice-Marshal Thorne said.

As part of 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.

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664