Lockheed Martin and Leonardo signed an agreement related to increased potential future maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the fleet of C-130J Super Hercules airlifters across Europe, the Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA). Under the agreement, Lockheed Martin is further integrating Leonardo into its strong network of support for the proven C-130, as a MRO Center for the operators located in these territories.
As this opportunity takes shape, Lockheed Martin looks to provide Leonardo with technical assistance, equipment, and training required to further improve the relevant capabilities in Italy, strengthening the strategic hub for the maintenance and sustainability of the fleet of C-130Js. The companies could also explore additional future business opportunities related to C-130J maintenance and sustainment. More than 570 C-130Js have been delivered to a partner network of 27 countries globally, including 16 in Europe and MENA which are all potential users of the Italian MRO facility.
A further enhanced MRO service center in Italy will allow C-130J users across the territories to maximise the effectiveness of their multirole airlifters by delivering original equipment manufacturer-certified and constantly updated services, ensuring superior planning capabilities, proximity and readiness of worldwide fleets. Such a service center will also improve efficiency and interoperability across NATO’s C-130J fleet in Europe.
This initial agreement to explore the possibility of Leonardo becoming an MRO service center for these territories leverages a 20-year relationship between Lockheed Martin and Leonardo delivering technical-logistical support to the Italian Air Force’s Super Hercules fleet and its recognised expertise in tactical airlifter maintenance, built on its longstanding role as OEM and MRO provider of the multi-mission Leonardo C-27J aircraft.
Many Air Forces employ the C-27J alongside the C-130J as a complementary asset, relying on its agility, short-field performance and rapid reconfiguration to reach austere airstrips.
“As requirements evolve, so does the Super Hercules thanks to approved C-130 service centers that increase the readiness of fleets and create resiliency for the region and global community,” said Trish Pagan, vice president, Lockheed Martin Air Mobility and Maritime Missions. “Investment and teaming with Leonardo will create a better capability for Europe and an ability to expand services to other regions.”
“The decision to expand Leonardo footprint within the C-130J MRO market and to increase our level of responsibility, managing the C-130J fleet across such an important and diversified region, demonstrates the recognised quality of our MRO performance and we have all the necessary and proven capabilities to make sure customer satisfaction is met, and with the level of responsiveness users require,” said Tommaso Pani, SVP Marketing and Sales, Leonardo Aeronautics. “We thank Lockheed Martin for their trust in Leonardo, and we look forward to starting activities for this new endeavor.”
Leonardo and Baykar’s LBA Systems announce full op readiness
Leonardo and Baykar announced the full operational readiness of their LBA Systems Joint Venture (JV), with the regulatory authorisations now in place and the new company’s Lead appointed, thus completing the establishment of a new player in uncrewed technologies. Leonardo and Baykar are equal shareholders (50% each) in the JV, which has its legal and operational headquarters in Italy.
The JV leverages complementary strengths in the design, development, production, and maintenance of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). LBA Systems combines Leonardo’s cutting edge electronics systems, integration of payload and effectors and strong capabilities in EU approval and certification with Baykar’s design and development of advanced UAS platforms, extensive portfolio covering all relevant UAS segments and advanced and efficient manufacturing processes and capabilities. The set-up of a dedicated Unmanned Business Unit within the Leonardo’s Aeronautics Division will allow an efficient coordination and execution of the business and industrial actions.
Lorenzo Mariani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo, said: “LBA Systems enters the rapidly growing uncrewed system sector with a complete and competitive offer. It leverages a comprehensive range of Leonardo proprietary payloads which can be integrated into several different Baykar platforms, in order to meet the demanding mission requirements dictated by today’s operational challenges. The start of operations at LBA Systems also epitomizes drivers which are core to our strategy: execution and production acceleration, stronger and larger industrial base, partnerships to deliver the critical mass required to respond to the European and global markets evolving demand, growth and value creation.”
Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of Baykar said “LBA Systems is a significant initiative that combines Baykar’s field-proven, high-tech autonomous architecture and manufacturing power with Leonardo’s advanced payload and avionics capabilities. The success of KIZILELMA’s recent CUC-T tests with the M-346 has demonstrated the global maturity our autonomy has achieved per NATO standards, and has been a direct response to the demanding operational requirements of the battlefield. With LBA Systems, we will offer the global market ready and reliable solutions — from Astore Levante to KIZILELMA — beyond concepts on paper. This partnership is a strategic step that will strengthen the defense industrial base of both Europe and allied nations.”
CAE and Leonardo expand collaboration to advance M-346 training
CAE and Leonardo announced a collaboration agreement that leverages their long-standing partnership on the M-346 Integrated Training System (ITS). The agreement strengthens the cooperation, addressing market opportunities in advanced fighter pilot training and establishes the development of advanced capabilities to prepare pilots for evolving operational concepts, including latest and next generation air operations, AI-enabled systems, and increasingly autonomous mission environments.
The agreement reflects the continued growth of the CAE–Leonardo relationship and expands its scope into Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) and Live Synthetic Integration (LSI) environments. Together, the companies will collaborate on a technology roadmap that advances the M-346 ITS, including the Block 20 system features.
The International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Decimomannu, Sardinia, the Italian Air Force advanced training school powered by Leonardo in collaboration with CAE, stands as a proven example of the CAE-Leonardo partnership, delivering one of the world’s most integrated fighter jet training environments for complex, next-generation operational missions. By combining live flight training, advanced simulation, and mission rehearsal, supported by data-driven instruction, IFTS demonstrates how integrated training solutions can accelerate and sustain mission readiness.
The integrated training approach demonstrated at IFTS also reflects a growing need for greater interoperability among allied air forces. Training environments such as IFTS enable pilots from different nations to train together using common standards, tactics and mission scenarios, strengthening operational cohesion across NATO and partner forces. Advanced simulation further allows pilots to experience complex operational scenarios repeatedly and safely, accelerating learning while improving preparedness for real-world missions.
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