Special to WorldTribune.com

TEL AVIV — The Israel Air Force has been preparing to receive its
first advanced air transport from the United States.

The Air Force has been laying the groundwork for the arrival of the
C-130J aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. L-M said the first of
three Super Hercules would arrive in Israel toward the end of 2013.

“At L-M’s plants in Marietta, Ga., the final assembly of the first Super
Hercules meant for Israel has begun,” L-M said.

In the February 2013 newsletter, L-M did not say when the first C-130J
would arrive in Israel. The company said the remaining two aircraft would be delivered in 2014.

The Air Force has sought at least six C-130Js in an effort to replace
some its aging C-130E and H fleet, procured in the 1970s. Several platforms in the Hercules fleet have undergone upgrades, including the installation of advanced avionics.

“The [Israel] Air Force seeks to be equipped with six C-130Js in the
current stage,” L-M said, “and is negotiating for the procurement of three
additional platforms in wake of the order of the first three.”

  Israel Air Force, Israel replacing 1970s-era air transport fleet with C-130J Super Hercules, Lockheed Martin