The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of follow-on support of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and associated equipment to India.
Under the estimated $96m sale, India has requested for the supply of five years of follow-on support for its fleet of C-130J Super Hercules, including eight spare AN/ALE-47 counter-measure dispensing systems, six spare AN/ALR-56M advanced radar warning receivers, and up to 9,000 flare cartridges.
The package also covers spare and repair parts, configuration updates, support and test equipment, publications and technical data, technical services, personnel training and training equipment, as well as other related elements of logistics support.
The sale is approved by the US State Department. It is expected to enable the Indian Air Force (IAF) to sustain a higher mission-ready status for its five C-130J airlifters.
In particular, India needs the support to ensure its C-130Js operate effectively to serve its transport, local and international humanitarian assistance, and regional disaster relief requirements.
The potential sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the US by helping to strengthen the US-India strategic relationship and to improve the capabilities of a major South Asian partner that continues to serve as an important force for economic progress and stability in South Asia.
Lockheed Martin has been named as the prime contractor for the FMS programme.
The C-130J Super Hercules is powered by four Allison AE2100D3 turboprop engines. It is designed to conduct airborne assault, search-and-rescue scientific research support, weather reconnaissance and aerial refuelling, as well as maritime patrol and aerial firefighting missions.
The aircraft is fitted with a glass cockpit, digital avionics and a new propulsion system with a six-bladed propeller. It can accommodate a payload of up to 20t and more than 90 passengers.
Apart from India, the aircraft is also operated by the air forces of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Kuwait, Norway, Oman, Qatar, the UK, and the US.
Image: The Indian Air Force’s C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlift aircraft at Hindon Air Force Station, Uttar Pradesh, India. Photo: courtesy of Hemant.rawat1234.
