UAE orders C-130J Super Hercules

MARIETTA, Ga., Feb. 26 (UPI) -- The United Arab Emirates has contracted Lockheed Martin to support the country's tactical-airlift fleet-modernization initiative.

UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the contract with U.S. company Lockheed Martin. Under the deal, Lockheed Martin will deliver 12 of its C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft to the UAE.

Officials said the UAE order, which also includes an option for four KC-130J tankers, is for Lockheed Martin's C-130J-30 configuration, which is a longer variant of the aircraft.

"The C-130J is rapidly becoming the tactical airlifter of choice around the world," Jim Grant, vice president for C-130J business development at Lockheed Martin, said in a statement.

"This selection by the UAE makes the 10th country that has selected the C130J, and we are excited about the future and the discussions we are having with many other countries."