Article Posted on : - Feb 17, 2010

A file photo of C-130J Hercules

NEW DELHI (PTI): American defence giant Lockheed Martin said that they are ready to deliver the first C-130J Hercules aircraft in December this year to the Indian Air Force and expressed hope to receive Letter of Request (LOR) for six more planes.

"We are hoping to receive the LOR for providing six additional aircraft by this year but can't say when," Lockheed's India Vice President Orville Prins said here on .

He said the company was preparing for the delivery of the C-130J to the IAF and was ready to deliver the first aircraft in December this year, three months ahead of their planned induction in the first quarter of 2011.

In 2008, IAF had ordered six C-130Js for Special Forces, with an option for six more as follow on order.

Lockheed has already helped IAF to set up infrastructure for basing 12 C-130Js at its Hindan air base near here.

Talking further about the C-130J contract, Prins said the order includes three years of initial support, crew training and maintenance technicians, spares, ground support and test equipment, and a team of technical specialists who will be based in India during the three year initial support period.

Also included is India-unique operational equipment designed to increase Special Operations capabilities.

He added that several other departments including the Border Security Force, the Coast Guard and the weather department have shown interest in procuring the aircraft.