Lockheed Martin, MilDef Collaborate to Strengthen C-130J Hercules Bid in Sweden

Lockheed Martin and MilDef have formalized their collaboration through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on February 6.

The partnership aims to bolster Lockheed Martin's bid to sell the C-130J Hercules tactical airlifter to the Swedish Air Force (SwAF), putting it in direct competition with Embraer's KC-390.

The agreement outlines the integration of MilDef's solutions and expertise into Lockheed Martin's global aerospace and defense ecosystem. MilDef Group, headquartered in Helsingborg, Sweden, specializes in providing tactical IT solutions for the global market. Lockheed Martin, a global security and aerospace company, already maintains ties with Sweden.

The primary objective of this collaboration is to explore opportunities for incorporating MilDef's solutions into Lockheed Martin's existing aerospace and defense offerings. MilDef, established in 1997, is known for delivering military-grade hardware, software, and services designed for critical information protection. Their product portfolio includes bespoke computers, laptops, servers, switches, routers, intelligent displays, software, and integration services tailored for challenging conditions.

The SwAF, currently operating a fleet of C-130H aircraft, is contemplating the modernization of its fleet with Lockheed Martin's C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifter. The collaboration between Lockheed Martin and MilDef signifies a step forward in advancing Sweden's defense capabilities with state-of-the-art aerospace solutions.

Lockheed Martin's existing collaborations with Sweden involve the Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter and the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor system. The C-130J Hercules, known for its versatility and proven track record, is positioned to play a crucial role in Sweden's efforts to enhance its military capabilities.

In a noteworthy development, Minister of Defense of Brazil, José Múcio, expressed in May 2023 his intention to discuss with Swedish Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin the potential sale of Embraer's KC-390 alongside a second batch of Gripen fighters by the Brazilian Air Force.

Sweden's decision to replace its aging Lockheed C-130H Hercules, currently operating six aircraft, comes after abandoning plans to acquire two C-130J Super Hercules from Italy in March.