L3Harris Applied sciences has been contracted to modernise C-130 plane fleet of the Royal Moroccan Air Power (RMAF).
This initiative is aimed toward strengthening the RMAF’s capabilities in managing its fleet and supporting Morocco’s defence goals.
Underneath the contract, L3Harris will probably be accountable for numerous enhancements together with avionics modifications, program depot upkeep, engine overhauls, and extra assist providers.
These upgrades are anticipated to extend the supply of the RMAF’s C-130 plane for numerous operations corresponding to tactical airlifts, humanitarian efforts, and particular operations.
L3Harris intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance president Jason Lambert mentioned: “This landmark settlement marks the start of a strategic, long-term partnership with the Royal Moroccan Air Power to make sure their fleet is prepared for any mission. By leveraging our crew’s confirmed avionics experience, we’ll ship scalable modifications to boost C-130 efficiency and fleet longevity.”
The modernisation work on the RMAF’s C-130s is scheduled to begin in 2025.
It will likely be carried out at L3Harris’ plane upkeep and modification facility situated in Waco. Work below the contract is anticipated to increase via 2029.
The C-130 plane, manufactured by US firm Lockheed Martin, is able to executing numerous missions together with airlift assist, Antarctic ice resupply, aeromedical missions, climate reconnaissance, aerial spraying duties, and firefighting.
More than 2,500 C-130s have been ordered and/or delivered so far to 63 nations.
In response to a GlobalData report, Morocco allocated $6.5bn to its defence budget for 2024, with projections indicating an annual development fee exceeding 1% from 2025 to 2029.
The nation is a purchaser of army tools from the US, partaking in energetic government-to-government transactions totalling $8.545bn via the international army gross sales programme.
A few of Morocco’s important acquisitions from the US embrace 25 F-16C/D Block 72 plane, 36 AH-64E Apache assault helicopters, and three CH-47D Chinook helicopters.
A significant non-Nato ally of the US, Morocco’s F-16 buy is an element of a bigger ongoing Air Power modernisation programme.
