€380 Million Deal Secured for Comprehensive Support of Italy’s C-130J Air Fleet
The Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness Directorate (DAAA) has recently given the green light for a contract concerning the technical-logistical assistance of the Italian Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules airlift fleet. The pact, which spans five years and amounts to a total of 380 million euros, was formalized on Jan. 28, 2022, between the Italian Air Force and the Temporary Business Grouping (RTI) comprising Leonardo, Avio Aero, and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
The contract endeavors, as delineated by the Logistic Command’s 2nd Division, encompass the development of a technical-logistical framework that offers integrated logistical support (ILS), in-house engineering assistance, and on-site aid through operational technical representatives stationed at the 46th Air Brigade in Pisa. Aircraft maintenance tasks, organized and supervised by the Air Force Logistic Command’s 11th Maintenance Depot in Sigonella, are also anticipated at Leonardo’s facility in Tessera near Venice and Avio Aero’s site in Brindisi, serving as supplementary support to those offered at the Pisa base, alongside repairs, spare parts management, material logistics, inspection operations, software, and updates of technical publications.
Dario Marfè, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Sales, Customer Support & Services at Leonardo’s Aircraft Division, remarked: “The conclusion of this critical agreement legitimizes our Customer Support model which, empowered by a cutting-edge national and international support network, enables us to furnish our clientele with targeted technical-logistical assistance services, ensuring operational continuity to the fleets and guaranteeing readiness for any mission by operators, as exemplified by the C-130J utilized by the Italian Air Force.”
Pierfederico Scarpa, Vice President of Strategy, Marketing and Sales at Avio Aero, stated: “This contract undoubtedly signifies a reinforcement of our enduring collaboration with the Italian Air Force. The C-130J fleet truly stands out as one of the most vital within the entire armed services. Furthermore, through this accord, Avio Aero will deliver a Performance-Based Logistics service aimed at supporting the AE 2100D3 engines. This innovative model, increasingly utilized, will empower Avio Aero not only to enhance performance but also to devise increasingly effective and practical solutions that cater to the operational requirements of the Italian Air Force.”
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Trish Pagan, Vice President of International Programs at Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions division, stated: “The Aeronautica Militare C-130J crews consistently showcase the unparalleled and proven airlift and refueling capabilities of the C-130J. This collaboration enables Lockheed Martin to combine our Original Equipment Manufacturer expertise with the trusted insights of our partners at Leonardo and Avio Aero to ensure that Italy’s C-130J Super Hercules fleet is always mission-ready — anytime, anywhere.”
