The agreement follows the contract awarded in January 2026 by France’s Directorate of Aeronautical Maintenance (DMAé), 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.