On 22 October 2025, the European Air Transport Command (EATC) had the honour of welcoming a senior delegation from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, led by Mr Nicholas Smythe, Vice President Sustainment Campaigns, Strategy & Business Development. He was accompanied by Ms Dina Halvorsen, Vice President F-35 Global Sustainment, Ms Analiese Rutter, Legal Advisor, and Retired Major-General Laurent Marboeuf, France Consultant and former EATC Commander (2018–2020).
The visit represented a gesture of partnership and mutual trust between EATC and Lockheed Martin, following the company’s donation of a detailed mock-up of the C-130 aircraft to EATC, offered free of charge. In recognition of this generous contribution, Major-General Franck Mollard, EATC Commander, hosted a ceremonial event to jointly unveil the mock-up alongside Mr. Smythe. The unveiling took place in the public area in front of the auditorium, in the presence of EATC personnel and invited guests, and was followed by a convivial gathering featuring light refreshments.
Before the ceremony, the programme included an office call between General Mollard and Mr Smythe, followed by a joint working briefing. This session provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the strategic outlook of the C-130 fleet and to exchange perspectives on its operational development. Subject-matter experts from Italy, Germany, France, and the Netherlands – all EATC nations operating the C-130 – contributed their insights on sustainment, interoperability, and avenues for future cooperation.
During his address, General Mollard conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to Lockheed Martin for its continued commitment to supporting European air mobility capabilities. The unveiling of the mock-up stood as a tangible symbol of the enduring partnership between Lockheed Martin and the EATC nations operating the C-130, underscoring a shared vision for innovation, operational excellence, and multinational cooperation.