Lockheed Martin and Leonardo to Enhance MRO Services for the C-130J Super Hercules

Our Bureau - : Jul 23, 2026 - : 2:35 am

Lockheed Martin and Leonardo are cooperating for increased potential future MRO services for the fleet of C-130J Super Hercules airlifters across Europe, the Middle East and Northern Africa.

Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin is further integrating Leonardo into its network of support for the C-130, as a MRO Center for the operators located in these territories.

Lockheed Martin will provide Leonardo with technical assistance, equipment, and training required to further improve the relevant capabilities in Italy, strengthening the strategic hub for the maintenance and sustainability of the fleet of C-130Js. The companies could also explore additional future business opportunities related to C-130J maintenance and sustainment.

More than 570 C-130Js have been delivered to a partner network of 27 countries globally, including 16 in Europe and MENA which are all potential users of the Italian MRO facility.

A further enhanced MRO service center in Italy will allow C-130J users across the territories to maximize the effectiveness of their multirole airlifters by delivering original equipment manufacturer-certified and constantly updated services, ensuring superior planning capabilities, proximity and readiness of worldwide fleets. Such a service center will also improve efficiency and interoperability across NATO’s C-130J fleet in Europe.

Many Air Forces employ the C-27J alongside the C-130J as a complementary asset, relying on its agility, short-field performance and rapid reconfiguration to reach austere airstrips.

“As requirements evolve, so does the Super Hercules thanks to approved C-130 service centers that increase the readiness of fleets and create resiliency for the region and global community,” said Trish Pagan, vice president, Lockheed Martin Air Mobility and Maritime Missions. “Investment and teaming with Leonardo will create a better capability for Europe and an ability to expand services to other regions.”

“The decision to expand Leonardo footprint within the C-130J MRO market and to increase our level of responsibility, managing the C-130J fleet across such an important and diversified region, demonstrates the recognized quality of our MRO performance and we have all the necessary and proven capabilities to make sure customer satisfaction is met, and with the level of responsiveness users require,” said Tommaso Pani, SVP Marketing and Sales, Leonardo Aeronautics.

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