MARIETTA, Ga, February 25th, 2009 — Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has been selected by the United Arab Emirates to provide 12 C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft to modernize the country’s tactical airlift fleet. The announcement was made at the IDEX Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

The C-130Js to be delivered to the UAE will be the longer C-130J-30 configuration and of similar specification to those being delivered to the United States Air Force. In addition the contract will cover spares and training including a Weapon Systems Trainer for aircrew training.

“The C-130J is rapidly becoming the tactical airlifter of choice around the world,” said Jim Grant, Lockheed Martin vice president for C-130J Business Development. “The C-130J is a highly reliable, versatile and proven airlifter that will greatly increase the UAE’s airlift capability. This selection by the UAE makes the tenth country that has selected the C‑130J and we are excited about the future and the discussions we are having with many other countries.”

The UAE currently operates a fleet of C-130Hs which will be retained until the new aircraft enter service.

Source: Lockheed Martin