Historic binational squadron completes training: A milestone for Franco-German military collaboration

In a landmark development, aircrew members from the French Armée de l’Air and the German Luftwaffe have successfully completed training as the first-ever binational C-130J Super Hercules squadron. This milestone was achieved at the France Germany Multinational Training Center (FGMTC), a state-of-the-art facility developed by Lockheed Martin in collaboration with the French Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) and the German Federal Ministry of Defence.

Reinforcing Allied Defense Capabilities

Lockheed Martin inaugurated the FGMTC in 2021, under a direct commercial sale contract with France’s DGA. The training center includes advanced training devices, a comprehensive learning management system, courseware, and options for further training services, illustrating Lockheed Martin’s commitment to enhancing NATO’s operational readiness.

“This training center reinforces Lockheed Martin’s commitment to bolster allied defense,” stated Ray Piselli, Vice President of International Business Development at Lockheed Martin. “Our goal is to ensure every pilot and maintainer is mission ready.”

The binational squadron comprises ten C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, with Germany contributing six and France four, including both C-130J-30 airlifters and KC-130J tankers. This formation marks the first and only binational C-130J squadron in the history of Hercules operations, symbolizing a significant stride in military cooperation between France and Germany.

Economic and Strategic Impacts

The FGMTC not only serves as a critical training hub but also fosters economic growth within the region. Constructed by Patriarche, a French contractor, and equipped with devices built in the U.S., the center is staffed entirely by French and German citizens, ensuring lasting benefits for local economies.

In-country training at the FGMTC offers France and Germany a cost-effective and efficient means to train their aircrew and maintenance personnel, thereby enhancing their capacity to support NATO missions and ensuring rapid deployment capabilities.

Lockheed Martin’s Legacy and Expertise

Lockheed Martin’s involvement with the FGMTC builds on a 28-year history as a leader in C-130J training solutions. “Lockheed Martin has proven experience creating turnkey training facilities, as evidenced by the more than 1,000 aircrews and maintenance personnel who have trained at our Hercules Training Center,” commented Jonathon Wells, Vice President of Air and Commercial Solutions for Lockheed Martin’s Rotary and Mission Systems business area.

The company’s extensive experience in developing training programs tailored to meet the strategic needs of military forces worldwide underpins the success of the FGMTC, ensuring that the Franco-German squadron is well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern military operations.

In conclusion, the successful training of the Franco-German squadron at the FGMTC not only highlights the effectiveness of international defense collaborations but also demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s pivotal role in advancing global military readiness and interoperability among NATO allies.