French, German C130J squadron

On 30 August 2021, the German Minister of Defence Mrs. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer met with her French counterpart, Mrs. Florence Parly,  in Paris. On this occasion, the two ministers signed the second Inter-governmental agreement on Franco-German cooperation in the field of tactical air transport.

It aims at creating a bi-national squadron and training centre on the Evreux air base, with the purpose of operating a fleet of C-130J aircrafts. This signature will enable the official creation of the Franco-German squadron on 1 September 2021.

Resulting from works launched in 2016, this bi-national tactical airlift fleet is a new major area of cooperation between France and Germany. It will contribute to strengthening the interoperability of both Armed Forces. Within this unit, French and German soldiers will be able to work in mixed teams, without distinction of nationality. While retaining the possibility of carrying out missions within a purely national framework, this is the first time an air force squadron is able to carry out operational missions with mixed crews, on French and German aircrafts. This creation should be considered as a major achievement.

Initial operational capability should be reached in autumn 2021 with the establishment of the unit in Evreux, and full operational capability in 2024. German MOD

From Lockheed:

French and German C-130J ® Super Hercules aircrews and maintainers will train in a brand-new shared facility, built and equipped by Lockheed Martin. The training center will support the countries’ binational C-130J Super Hercules Squadron, consisting of ten Hercs.

Lockheed Martin will provide training devices, the learning management system, courseware and options for five years of training services under the terms of a new direct commercial sale (DCS) contract, allowing for in-country learning. 

Located on Évreux-Fauville Air Base in the Normandy region of France, the training center will provide training for both C-130J-30 airlifter and KC-130J tanker aircraft under a first-of-its-kind partnership in the entire scope of 65 years of Hercules history. The countries will share the training center and aircraft, which are used for aerial refueling, air drop and cargo missions.

Lockheed Martin to break ground on the training center in 2021 and aircrew and maintainers will begin training in the center in 2024.

“The French/German C-130J Binational Training Center will allow both countries to train pilots and maintainers on the full capability of these proven aircraft,” said Tom Gordon, Lockheed Martin, vice president of Training and Simulation Solutions. “Lockheed Martin is honored to support this historic partnership and proud to work directly with our customers in establishing a first-of-its kind resource that will benefit Super Hercules crew members for decades to come.” 

From the EU

FR-DE cooperation key points

• French Air Force:
 2 C-130J-30 + 2 KC-130J-30 (owner : France)
 TCH Lockheed Martin

• Luftwaffe :
 3 C-130J-30 + 3 KC-130J-30 (owner Germany)  TCH BAAINBw
• Operating countries:

 France and Germany will operate both fleets
• Hosting country:
 France (Evreux Air Base, Normandy)

• Calendar:
 December, 2017 France received its first C-130J
 Mid 2021, the common unit will receive the first german C-130J
 End 2024, 10 C-130J will be operated by both nations in the frame of the cooperation

FR-DE cooperation key points

This FR/DE cooperation is based on the main following points:
• One FR/DE aircraft squadron operating a common fleet of 10 C-130J.
• All the technical domain under French rules: EMAR FR
• One FR/DE CAMO to perform continuing airworthiness for the all fleet: EMAR FR M approved
• One FR/DE maintenance unit to support the fleet: EMAR FR 145 approved
• One FR/DE training center for FR/DE technicians: EMAR FR 147 approved
EMAR

Mutual Recognition beween MAAs: th