Richmond. $292 million contract

Minister for Defence Personnel, Greg Combet, has announced the start of the $292 million, C-130J Hercules, Through Life Support Program, at RAAF Base Richmond. Mr Combet said a total of 12 C-130J Hercules were operated by No. 37 Squadron at the base The initial contract, for five-years, was awarded to Australian Aerospace and sub-contractor Lockheed Martin. Further annual contract extensions would be linked to contractor performance and cost reduction. Under the contract, Australian Aerospace and Lockheed Martin would deliver services including aircraft maintenance, engineering and supply chain management.