TRENTON, Ont: The first of 17 new CC-130J Hercules tactical airlift aircraft landed at 8 Wing Trenton (Ontario) today, contributing to the modernization and strengthening of the Canadian Forces.
The Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Peter MacKay, and the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, were present to mark this important milestone.
“The Government of Canada, through the Canada First Defence Strategy, is committed to having a first-class modern military – providing our men and women in uniform with the necessary tools to do the job they are asked to do,” declared Minister MacKay. “These impressive new aircraft – under budget and ahead of schedule – will serve Canada and Canadians well for years to come.”
“Today, the government is delivering on commitments to ensure the Canadian Forces are properly equipped with aircraft necessary to support its operations at home and abroad” said Minister Ambrose. “The successful procurement of the CC-130J demonstrates the Government’s commitment to provide the Canadian Forces with cost-effective tactical airlift capability”.
“The arrival of the first CC-130J Hercules aircraft marks a new era in the Canadian military, bringing with it lasting economic benefits to Canada’s aerospace and defence industries,” said the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry. “The Industrial and Regional Benefits related to this airlift fleet, at $2.3 billion, will bring high value and high paying jobs, and economic growth to communities across the country.”
The delivery of the first CC-130J is six months ahead of the original scheduled delivery and under budget; it is another example of how the improved military procurement process ensures that the men and women of the Canadian Forces get the equipment they need faster, while ensuring best value and results for Canadians.
CC-130s are used in a wide variety of roles, including transporting equipment, troops and supplies to, within and from a theatre of operations.
“The new J-model Hercules is both proven and improved,” said Major-General Tom Lawson, Assistant Chief of Air Staff. “The value of versatile tactical airlift has been clearly demonstrated in recent operations, including Afghanistan and Haiti. We will be putting these new aircraft to good use without delay.”
Up to four other aircraft are expected this year with the final one to be delivered by 2012. All 17 CC-130Js will be based at 8 Wing Trenton, thus obtaining maximum operational and financial efficiencies from common training, maintenance and infrastructure requirements.
This delivery follows the Government of Canada’s announcement in June 2006 to acquire 17 new aircraft to revitalize the CF’s current tactical airlift capabilities. The contract was awarded in December 2007 to Lockheed Martin Corporation with an approximate value of USD $1.4 billion, and an in-service support contract amendment followed in January 2010, at a value of CAD $723 million for an initial period ending June 30, 2016.
