This article is based on official press releases and public reporting from Marshall and Lockheed Martin.

Marshall Cements Status as Global Authority on C-130 Hercules MRO

As of January 2026, Marshall (formerly Marshall Aerospace) has solidified its position as the world’s leading independent authority on the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules. With a partnership spanning more than half a century and a recent designation as the only global Center of Excellence for critical structural modifications, the company has become a linchpin in the logistics network of 17 government fleet operators worldwide.

Recent developments from 2024 through late 2025 have seen the company expand its footprint significantly, particularly in North America and the Middle East. By securing major contracts with the Turkish Ministry of National Defence and operationalizing a new facility in Greensboro, North Carolina, Marshall has demonstrated its capacity to support both legacy and Super Hercules fleets with unrivaled technical expertise.

Unrivaled Industry Standing

Marshall’s relationship with the C-130 platform dates back to 1966, shortly after the Royal Air Force (RAF) took delivery of its first aircraft. Over the decades, the company has accrued a unique set of accreditations from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Lockheed Martin.

According to company data, Marshall holds the distinction of being the first authorized Hercules Service Center (HSC) for legacy models and the first Heavy Maintenance Center (HMC) for the modern C-130J Super Hercules. In a landmark achievement in November 2024, Lockheed Martin officially recognized Marshall as the world’s first authorized Center of Excellence for Center Wing Box (CWB) replacements.

“Recognising Marshall as the first Lockheed Martin-approved Centre of Excellence for its work leading the C-130 centre wing box replacement programme is a natural choice… Marshall is a vital part of the C-130 Hercules community.”

, Rod McLean, VP at Lockheed Martin (2024)

Technical Capabilities: “Aerospace Surgery”

Marshall’s capabilities extend well beyond standard maintenance, encompassing complex structural modifications often described as “aerospace surgery.” The most notable of these is the Center Wing Box (CWB) replacement, a procedure likened to spinal surgery for the aircraft.

Center Wing Box Replacements

The CWB is the primary structure connecting the wings to the fuselage. Replacing it is one of the most complex engineering tasks associated with the C-130. Marshall is currently the only organization globally, outside of Lockheed Martin’s own U.S. facilities, authorized to perform these replacements on the C-130J.

Data indicates that as of late 2025, Marshall had completed nearly 80 CWB replacements across both legacy and J-model aircraft. This capability was highlighted when “Fat Albert,” the U.S. Navy Blue Angels’ iconic C-130J, returned to Marshall in late 2025 for this specific structural life-extension procedure.

Avionics and Manufacturing

In addition to structural work, Marshall has advanced its avionics modernization programs. Recent projects include bespoke navigation upgrades for the Austrian Air Force, completed in late 2024, and similar integrations for the French Air Force. These upgrades typically involve replacing analog systems with modern Flight Management Systems (FMS) and GPS landing capabilities.

Furthermore, the company holds a unique “authority to manufacture” from Lockheed Martin. To mitigate global supply chain delays, Marshall manufactured over 2,000 parts in 2024 alone, ensuring that maintenance schedules remained on track.

Strategic Expansion (2024–2026)

The last two years have marked a period of aggressive geographic expansion and contract acquisition for Marshall.

North American Growth

In 2025, the company fully operationalized its new maintenance facility in Greensboro, North Carolina. This site was established primarily to service the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) fleet of KC-130J tankers under a 10-year contract originally awarded in 2020. As of July 2025, reports show that Marshall had worked on 42 different USMC aircraft and manufactured over 1,500 parts specifically for that fleet.

New International Contracts

Marshall has also strengthened its presence in Europe and Asia:

• Turkey: In October 2025, the company secured a multi-year contract with the Turkish Ministry of National Defence to support its newly acquired C-130J fleet, covering entry-into-service and sustainment.
• India: Marshall was awarded a contract to perform 12-year heavy maintenance inspections for the Indian Air Force’s C-130J Super Hercules fleet.

AirPro News Analysis

The consolidation of C-130 MRO capabilities under Marshall highlights a critical trend in defense logistics: the reliance on specialized independent contractors to extend the life of aging airframes. With the C-130 remaining the “world’s workhorse,” the ability to perform heavy structural modifications like CWB replacements outside of the OEM’s primary facilities is essential for maintaining global fleet readiness. Marshall’s “authority to manufacture” also suggests that decentralized supply chains are becoming a priority for defense contractors seeking to insulate themselves from global logistics disruptions.

Operational Statistics

Marshall’s operational volume reflects its central role in the global defense sector. In 2024, the company completed nearly 30,000 MRO tasks, totaling over 442,000 hours of aircraft work. Through its various life-extension programs, Marshall estimates it has added over 1,600 collective years to the lifespan of the global C-130 fleet.

“Our unique approvals allow us to de-risk maintenance and ensure predictable turnaround times for military operators.”

, Gareth Williams, COO at Marshall

Advertisement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Center Wing Box (CWB) replacement?
The CWB is the structural core connecting the wings to the fuselage. Replacing it is a major structural repair that significantly extends the operational life of the aircraft. Marshall is the only independent facility authorized to perform this on the C-130J.

Which air forces does Marshall support?
Marshall supports 17 government fleet operators, including the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy (Blue Angels), UK Royal Air Force (historically), and air forces from Austria, Sweden, the Netherlands, France, India, Turkey, and Bangladesh.

Where are Marshall’s facilities located?
Marshall is headquartered in Cambridge, UK, and recently operationalized a major facility in Greensboro, North Carolina, to support North American customers.

Sources: Marshall Group