Aircraft

Norway has signed an agreement for the urgent purchase of four Lockheed Martin C-130Js. A contract is expected to be signed later this year for the delivery of one aircraft next year, one in 2009 and two in 2010.

The Norwegian and US governments have signed the letter of offer and acceptance for the C-130J deal, valued at just over $500 million. Norway will get its C-130Js early by taking aircraft from the US Air Force production run. The Royal Norwegian Air Force has currently has six C-130Hs, deliveries of which took place in 1969, according to Flight's MiliCAS database.

Canada is also hoping for early delivery of C-130Js, and is expected to issue a request for proposals to Lockheed within the next few weeks. The Ottawa government has already budgeted to purchase 17 aircraft, plus 20 years of support.

India is expected to buy six C-130Js for its special operations forces. Congress was notified of the proposed $1 billion foreign military sale in early June. If the letter of offer and acceptance is signed this year, deliveries could begin in 2010.