Iraq receives third Lockheed C-130J

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MARIETTA, Ga., Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin has delivered the third of six C-130J Super Hercules aircraft ordered by the Iraqi air force.

The delivery, conducted in a ceremony at the company facility in Marietta, Ga., comes on the heels of two previously delivered C-130Js departing for Iraq, where they will be used for in-theater support and for humanitarian operations.

Lockheed said the aircraft will give Iraq the capability to operate "seamlessly" with U.S., NATO and coalition forces engaged in a wide range of operations and missions.

"Fifteen countries have already selected the C-130J Super Hercules to meet their airlift requirements," said George Shultz, Lockheed Martin's vice president and general manager for C-130 Programs. "Be it recapitalization of existing fleets, or new operators seeking proven airlift performance and capability, the C-130J is always the logical, low risk, affordable, proven answer."

The three remaining Super Hercules planes being procured by Iraq are to be delivered next year, the company said.