Rolls-Royce signs MissionCare Propulsion contract with Sabena technics for French-German C-130J fleet

Rolls-Royce has finalized an agreement with Sabena technics to provide its proprietary MissionCare propulsion support for the binational French-German fleet of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft until December 2030. The agreement follows the contract awarded in January 2026 by France’s Directorate of Aeronautical Maintenance, which named Sabena technics as the prime contractor for the 10-year CAROLUS operational readiness and maintenance program. This new subcontract includes Rolls-Royce as the strategic propulsion partner, utilizing its MissionCare model to guarantee readiness for the joint fleet.

Under the contract, Rolls-Royce will provide comprehensive, flight-hour-based sustainment services for the fleet’s AE 2100D3 turboprop engines. The binational fleet, consisting of five C-130J transport aircraft and five KC-130J tanker aircraft, is operated by the Binational Air Transport Squadron (BATS) based at Évreux-Fauville Air Base 105 in France.  

Meagan Rater, Director of US Mature Programmes, Defense, Rolls-Royce, commented: "Bringing our MissionCare program to the joint French-German C-130J fleet means we can embed our team directly alongside Sabena technics. This is not just a services contract – it is a hands-on partnership where our OEM engineering expertise will be on the ground every day. By integrating our Field Service Representatives and logistics directly into their daily operations, we are ensuring maximum engine availability and keeping these critical strategic assets flight-ready for every mission.”

Herve Grandjean, CEO of Sabena technics, stated: "With the award of the CAROLUS contract, our vision is to build an integrated support network capable of guaranteeing availability for the French-German fleet. Bringing Rolls-Royce into this ecosystem with their MissionCare program completes that vision. With the engine OEM embedded alongside our teams on the ground means we are proactively managing aircraft readiness together, ensuring the vital, binational squadron is always ready to deploy.”

Rolls-Royce Field Service Representatives will be based at the Évreux-Fauville Air Base alongside Sabena technics, and at their primary Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul hub in Bordeaux. The MissionCare program will ensure the engines meet mission-readiness thresholds, with integrated logistics and spares support in place. Being embedded with the Sabena technics teams mean they can provide technical data and support without delay.