The first C-130J for Israel was ceremonially delivered at the Lockheed Martin facility in Marietta, Georgia, on 26 June 2013. This is first of three C-130Js currently on order for the Israeli Air Force through a Foreign Military Sales contract with the US Government. This aircraft will now move into a modification program and receive Israeli-unique systems. The in-country delivery for this C-130J is scheduled for spring 2014. The IAF, which has operated C-130E/Hs since 1971, has bestowed the nickname Shimshon—the Hebrew word for Samson—on its C-130Js. The Israeli C-130Js will be flown by 103 Squadron, known as The Elephants.
