Kuwait Is Latest KC-130J Super Hercules Customer

Lockheed Martin on May 27 announced the award of a $245 million contract covering the supply through Foreign Military Sales of three KC-130J Hercules tankers for the Kuwait Air Force (KAF). The first aircraft is scheduled for delivery in late 2013, with final delivery early in 2014. Congress was notified in July 2009 of a potential sale of up to eight C-130Js to Kuwait. The sale is being managed through the Navy program office.

In KAF service, the KC-130Js will augment three civilian-standard L-100 Hercules on airlift duties, expanding Kuwait's ability to participate in international disaster relief and humanitarian missions. The tankers will be able to refuel the KAF's 35 F/A-18 Hornet multirole fighters, providing up to 57,500 pounds of fuel, and when fitted with an auxiliary fuselage tank, more than 80,000 pounds.