ÉVREUX-FAUVILLE AIR BASE, FRANCE - In a historic move, the first binational squadron of French and German aircrew members has completed training on the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The training, marking a significant milestone in military cooperation, was conducted at the France Germany Multinational Training Center (FGMTC), developed by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: NYSE:LMT) in partnership with the French and German defense ministries.
The squadron, composed of ten Super Hercules aircraft, including six from Germany and four from France, represents the first and only binational C-130J squadron in the aircraft's history. France has received two C-130J-30 airlifters and two KC-130J tankers, while Germany has taken delivery of three C-130J-30s and three KC-130Js.
Lockheed Martin, a global defense technology company, established the training center under a direct commercial sale contract with France's Direction générale de l'armement (DGA). The center aims to provide a cost-effective and efficient means for qualifying and sustaining the aircrew and maintenance personnel of both nations, supporting NATO missions.
The FGMTC's training devices were manufactured in the United States and shipped to France, while the construction of the building was carried out by Patriarche, a French contractor. This initiative is expected to foster economic growth in the region, with all permanent onsite personnel being French or German citizens.
Lockheed Martin's vice president of international business development, Ray Piselli, emphasized the company's commitment to enhancing allied defense capabilities by ensuring that pilots and maintainers are mission-ready. Additionally, Jonathon Wells, vice president of Air and Commercial Solutions for Lockheed Martin’s Rotary and Mission Systems business area, highlighted Lockheed Martin's 28-year history as a leading provider of C-130J training and its expertise in creating comprehensive training facilities.
This training is part of Lockheed Martin's broader efforts to drive innovation and advance scientific discovery in global defense technology. The company is known for delivering all-domain mission solutions and technologies designed to keep allied forces prepared and responsive to emerging threats. The information for this article is based on a press release statement.
In other recent news, Lockheed Martin has experienced significant changes in its board. Ilene S. Gordon, a member of the board for eight years, has resigned from her position. The company has not disclosed any disagreement with Lockheed Martin's operations, policies, or practices as the reason for her departure. Concurrently, Dr. Heather Wilson, with a background in government, academia, and the private sector, has been elected to the board.
In a separate development, Lockheed Martin's subsidiary, Sikorsky, is testing a novel vertical takeoff and landing uncrewed aerial system (VTOL UAS) as part of a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) initiative. The tests aim to verify the UAS's capabilities in vertical launch and landing as well as efficient wing-based cruising.
Lockheed Martin has also been targeted by China, which has imposed sanctions on the company along with other American defense firms in response to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. The sanctions involve asset freezes within China and travel bans for certain senior executives. Lastly, Lockheed Martin is among North American firms initiating significant workforce reductions at the outset of 2024, although the specific number of job cuts has not been disclosed.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.