Lockheed Martin to deliver C-130J weapon system trainer for New Zealand
The C-130Js would assist New Zealand during extensive maritime surveillance and reconnaissance as well as improve its search and rescue capability. (Photo: US DoD)
New Zealand has inched closer to becoming a member of the C-130J team. The US DoD contract awarded to Lockheed Martin will see the building and delivery of weapons system trainer devices to New Zealand.
The US DoD has awarded Lockheed Martin a $38,5 million fixed-priced contract for C-130J Super Hercules Weapons Systems Trainer, the DoD announced on 30 September.
The agreement covers the procurement of engineering, manufacturing and development, production, integration, testing and delivery of training devices for New Zealand, as well as spare parts and support equipment.
Work will be carried out in Orlando, Florida, and is expected to be concluded by the autumn of 2025.
The US State Department announced that it had approved a possible FMS to New Zealand of five C-130J aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.4 billion in 2019.
Lockheed Martin is expected to begin assembly of the new aircraft in March 2023, once a critical design review is complete. Five new aircraft will then begin arriving in Aotearoa in 2024, with the full fleet operating from 2025.
If the sale is approved, when the first aircraft is delivered, New Zealand will become the 23rd nation to employ the C-130J operationally — it currently operates the C-130H.
The C-130Js would assist New Zealand's requirement to conduct extensive maritime surveillance and reconnaissance as well as improve its SAR capability.
Additionally, the extra cargo capacity and aircraft performance would greatly increase New Zealand's Antarctic mission capabilities.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Training
-
![Cubic tailors mortar simulator for the US Army]()
Cubic tailors mortar simulator for the US Army
The company’s mortar trainer received improvements based on soldier’s feedback.
-
![Saab expands footprint in the US]()
Saab expands footprint in the US
The company will operate in two new locations in the coming years to better support US services.
-
![How terrain management capabilities can improve military training]()
How terrain management capabilities can improve military training
This type of tool provides more realistic training easing the incorporation of new scenarios that accurately represent the threats of the battlefield.
-
![I/ITSEC 2024: Australian Army approaches second phase of countermining training]()
I/ITSEC 2024: Australian Army approaches second phase of countermining training
The Engineering Corps has been conducting individual instruction using FLAIM Systems’ Sweeper and should start collective deployments in 2025.
-
![I/ITSEC 2024: Zeiss introduces Velvet 4K SIM projector for night flight simulation]()
I/ITSEC 2024: Zeiss introduces Velvet 4K SIM projector for night flight simulation
The next-generation platform is motion-compatible and can be used in OTW and NVG applications.
-
![I/ITSEC 2024: Saab introduces UAV live training capability]()
I/ITSEC 2024: Saab introduces UAV live training capability
The system can be used to prepare soldiers for both drone offensive operations and CUAS missions.
