The Republic of Korea has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to provide four C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.

The C-130J offers greater operational efficiency than older C-130s, can fly further, faster, and with more payload whilst boasting higher reliability.

Additionally, the C-130J requires fewer flight crew members for most missions.

The contract also contains a two-year support programme, including aircrew and maintenance training.

Korea’s new Super Hercules will be the longer fuselage or ‘stretched’ combat delivery variant.

Delivery of the aircraft is slated for 2014.