None
EN
Comment on Rolls-Royce to keep French-German Hercules fleet flying by Daniele Mandelli
['Craig Langford', 'Trained As A Mechanical Engineer', 'Craig Took An Unconventional Route Into Journalism', 'Bringing With Him A Rare Technical Precision', 'Analytical Depth That Continues To Set His Reporting Apart.', 'Please Enter Your Name Here']
Comments for UK Defence Journal
Rolls-Royce has signed an agreement with Sabena technics to provide engine support for the binational French and German C-130J fleet through to December 2030, the company stated.
The deal is a subcontract under CAROLUS, the ten-year operational readiness and maintenance programme awarded in January 2026 by France’s Directorate of Aeronautical Maintenance, which named Sabena technics as prime contractor.
Rolls-Royce joins as strategic propulsion partner, supplying flight-hour-based sustainment for the AE 2100D3 turboprops that power the aircraft under its MissionCare model.
The fleet comprises five C-130J transports and five KC-130J tankers flown by the Binational Air Transport Squadron at Évreux-Fauville Air Base 105, north west of Paris.
Under the arrangement, Rolls-Royce field service representatives will be stationed at Évreux alongside Sabena technics personnel and at the company’s main maintenance hub in Bordeaux, with integrated logistics and spares support intended to keep engines above agreed readiness thresholds.