Aircrew members representing the French (Armée de l’Air) and German (Luftwaffe) air forces made history as the first-ever binational C-130J Super Hercules squadron to complete training together. The training took place at the France Germany Multinational Training Center (FGMTC), a facility built and equipped by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), in partnership with the French Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) and the German Federal Ministry of Defence. Lockheed Martin broke ground on the training center in 2021 as part of a direct commercial sale contract with France’s DGA, which includes training devices, the learning management system, courseware and options for additional training services. The squadron consists of a combined 10 Super Hercules aircraft built by Lockheed Martin, including six from Germany and four from France.
“Lockheed Martin has proven experience creating turnkey training facilities, as evidenced by the more than 1,000 aircrews and maintenance personnel who have trained at our Hercules Training Center. We understand the requirements of developing a new workforce, the challenges of sustaining an existing workforce, and the training structure needed to support the mission,” said Jonathon Wells, vice president of Air and Commercial Solutions for Lockheed Martin’s Rotary and Mission Systems business area.
“This training center reinforces Lockheed Martin’s commitment to bolster allied defense. Our goal is to ensure every pilot and maintainer is mission ready,” said Ray Piselli, vice president of international business development for Lockheed Martin.
France has received its two C-130J-30 airlifters and two KC-130J tankers, while Germany has received its three C-130J-30s and three KC-130Js. This is the first and only binational C-130J squadron in Hercules history. While FGMTC training devices were built in the U.S. and shipped to France, building design and construction was sourced through Patriarche, a French contractor.The FGMTC will generate lasting economic growth, with all permanent onsite personnel being French or German citizens. In-country training allows France and Germany a faster, cost-effective way to qualify and sustain their C-130J aircrew and maintenance personnel, providing support for NATO missions. While the FGMTC contract is the first established business relationship between Lockheed Martin and France’s DGA, Lockheed Martin has been the leading global provider of C-130J training for 28 years.
