Saudi Arabia Orders KC-130J Refuelling Tanker, C-130J Heavylift Aircraft

Saudi Arabia has signed a contract with Lockheed Martin for the purchase of the first two of 25 potential C-130J Super Hercules airlifters, including two KC-130J refueling tankers. 

"Here we see another nation recapitalizing with the proven C-130J," said Chris Antone, vice president of business development for Saudi Arabia at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. "As a legacy C-130 operator, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is familiar with the workhorse capabilities of the Hercules. With the addition of C-130Js, Saudi Arabia will have a proven asset that provides unequaled results -- both regionally and around the world." 

The C-130J is the standard by which all other airlift is measured in terms of availability, flexibility and reliability. C-130Js currently are deployed in two combat theaters where they operate at a very high tempo efficiently and reliably. 

In non-combat -- but equally harsh environments -- C-130Js are often the first to support humanitarian missions such as search and rescue, aerial firefighting in the U.S., and delivering relief supplies after earthquakes, hurricanes, typhoons and tsunamis around the world. Recently, the C-130J worldwide fleet surpassed 1 million flight hours, which were logged beginning with the C-130J's first flight on April 5, 1996 through April 30, 2013.