Italian aerospace firm Leonardo and US industry partner Lockheed Martin have signed an agreement to expand maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services in support of the C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
The collaboration further integrates Leonardo into Lockheed’s regional service network, establishing its Italian facilities as key locations to preserve serviceability for the international C-130J fleet.
The agreement will offer factory-certified maintenance to regional operators, shortening turnaround times and keeping more aircraft flight-ready.
Beyond the MRO arrangement, the companies will also explore additional opportunities related to broader aircraft sustainment and lifecycle services while boosting C-130J fleet coordination among European NATO allies.
Enhancing ‘Level of Responsiveness’
The agreement builds on more than two decades of cooperation between the firms to support the Italian Air Force’s Super Hercules platforms.
Leonardo also brings experience as the producer and MRO provider for the C-27J Spartan, which most operators fly alongside the C-130J.
To date, over 570 C-130J airlifters have been supplied to 27 countries, including 16 in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa that are expected to leverage the Italian MRO centers in the future.
“As requirements evolve, so does the Super Hercules thanks to approved C-130 service centers that increase the readiness of fleets,” said Trish Pagan, vice president of air mobility and maritime missions at Lockheed Martin.
“Investment and teaming with Leonardo will create a better capability for Europe.”
Tommaso Pani, senior vice president for marketing and sales at Leonardo Aeronautics, added that the agreement reflects confidence in the company’s maintenance expertise and its ability to support operators “with the level of responsiveness users require.”
