- Canada is investing $1.15 billion to sustain and modernize its CC-130J Hercules fleet
- Upgrades will improve avionics, communications and airspace operations for the RCAF
- The program will support hundreds of Canadian aerospace jobs through local industry partnerships
Lockheed Martin has secured more than $1.15 billion in contract amendments from Canada to support the sustainment and modernization of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CC-130J Hercules fleet. Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr announced the amendments, the Canadian government said Friday.
What Do the Contract Amendments Cover?
The first amendment, worth $462.5 million, extends in-service support for the CC-130J fleet through June 2029, while the second amendment, valued at $684.3 million, will implement RCAF 105 upgrades across the fleet. Aside from fleet maintenance, the contract amendments are also designed to enhance air traffic management capabilities through upgrades to navigation, communications, flight management and avionics systems, ensuring compliance with evolving civil and military airspace requirements. The modernization effort will also help the Royal Canadian Air Force sustain its broad mission set, including troop transport, tactical airlift and aircraft maintainer training, while preserving its global airlift capabilities.
“The amendments to the CC‑130J contract will ensure that our members have the advanced equipment they need to do their jobs and keep Canadians safe, while maintaining highly skilled jobs here in Canada,” said Fuhr.
How Will the Modifications Impact Canadian Industry?
Canada said the in-service support amendment will support 620 jobs in Canada and contribute to the country’s economy with Lockheed Martin and subcontractors, including Cascade Aerospace and Standard Aero, performing work at facilities in Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba and other locations. The effort is expected to contribute about $85 million to Canada’s gross domestic product annually. StandardAero recently received funding to expand its Winnipeg facility to support RCAF platforms, including the CC-130J fleet.
The RCAF 105 upgrades are expected to sustain 525 Canadian jobs and contribute approximately $70 million to Canada’s GDP each year. Lockheed Martin also plans to work closely with Canadian industry partners to integrate the upgrades across the fleet, generating additional economic benefits domestically.
