The Pentagon has awarded Lockheed Martin a ten-year, sole-source indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract valued at up to US$1.9 billion to continue the C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System (MATS) programme.
The C-130J MATS IV contract enables the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center to sustain a comprehensive suite of training devices and support services for C-130J aircrew and maintenance personnel. This includes courseware development, operational support, interim and contractor logistics support, as well as engineering services.
Lockheed Martin said the award underscores its long-standing partnership with the U.S. Government and industry collaborators, and highlights the continued importance of the MATS programme in maintaining operational readiness across C-130J units. The programme has been in place for nearly three decades, supporting evolving training requirements for modern airlift operations.
Currently, the C-130J MATS programme supports a broad range of U.S. military operators, including Air Mobility Command, the Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command, the U.S. Marine Corps, Air Force Special Operations Command, and Air Education and Training Command. Under the new contract, training support will be extended to additional users, notably the U.S. Navy Reserve and the U.S. Coast Guard.
The C-130J Super Hercules remains a leading platform in the tactical airlift sector, operated by 28 nations worldwide. More than 560 aircraft have been delivered to date, with certification from over 20 airworthiness authorities. The global Super Hercules fleet has accumulated in excess of three million flight hours, underlining its extensive operational footprint and reliability.
