One of the last C-130Js in RAF service made its farewell flypast in June 2023. The MoD has now concluded its search to find buyers for this and 13 other surplus airframes, according to Lockheed Martin. (Crown Copyright)
The UK has secured the sale of its retired Lockheed Martin C-130J/C-130J-30 Hercules airlifters, the manufacturer told Janes at the ILA Berlin Air Show 2024.
Speaking on 5 June, director, customer requirements Air Mobility and Maritime Missions, Larry Gallogly, said that most, and perhaps all, of the 14 C-130Js that were retired from Royal Air Force (RAF) service on 31 March 2023 had now been sold on.
“At least 10, and most likely all of them, now have a home,” Gallogly said. While he declined to identify the new customer(s) for the one ‘short' C-130J (C5 in UK service) and 13 ‘stretched' C-130J-30 (C4) airframes, interest has reportedly been expressed by Greece and Türkiye, among others.
Gallogly noted that Lockheed Martin had been working closely with Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group (MADG) in securing their onward sale. “We don't see the surplus UK C-130Js as competition [to Lockheed Martin selling newbuild aircraft]. We have been working with Marshalls to reposition those aircraft – we have been part and parcel in the arrangement to place those aircraft,” he said.
Gallogly's confirmation of the onward sale of the retired UK C-130Js came weeks after the Ministry of Defence (MoD) told Janes in March that, while it has identified several potential buyers, efforts were ongoing to finalise their sale.
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