Norway receives first C-130J

MARIETTA, Ga., Nov. 13 (UPI) -- The Royal Norwegian Air Force received the first of four Lockheed Martin-built C-130J military transport aircraft during a ceremony Wednesday.

U.S. company Lockheed Martin is under contract to deliver the C-130Js to the Royal Norwegian Air Force as part of the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.

The C-130Js being delivered to Norway are a specialized variant with a longer fuselage than the C-130J Super Hercules operated by the U.S. Air Force. Norway joins eight other countries operating the military transport aircraft.

"As the first C-130J order under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, the Norway contract marks an important milestone for sales of the C-130J internationally," Ross Reynolds, vice president of C-130 programs for Lockheed Martin, said in a statement.

"Norway joins the growing list of countries that are realizing the flexibility of the Super Hercules and the benefits it brings to a nation's overall airlift capability. With the arrival of its new C-130J aircraft, the Royal Norwegian Air Force will have one of the most advanced cargo fleets in the world."