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World Aviation Defense & Security News - France
 
 
French Air Force about to receive first C-130J-30 airlifter
 
According to the well-informed Defens'Aero website, the first of four C-130J Super Hercules airlifters ordered by France will land today at the BA 123 d'Orléans-Bricy Air Base. The aircraft, a Lockheed Martin C-130J-30, will be operated by the 2/61 «Franche-Comté» air transport unit based at the BA 105 Evreux AB.
     
French Air Force received first C 130J 30 airlifter 640 001The French Air Force's first C-130J-30 during its inaugural flight
(Credit: Lockheed Martin)
     
The Super Hercules will now be fitted with additional equipement to complement those already installed, before being handed over to the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) to ensure it meets the French Air Force needs.

The French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) ordered on Jan. 29 2016 four brand new C-130J (two C-130J-30 and two KC-130J) Super Hercules military airlifters from the US Air Force through a global $265 FMS contract. Two of the aircraft are to be fitted with aerial refuelling systems, the DGA said.

France and Germany signed an agreement on 18 October setting the foundations for a joint air transport squadron consisting of four French and six German C-130Js Super Hercules which will be based at the Evreux AB. The IOC is scheduled for 2021, while the FOC is planned for 2024.