The €13.7 million ($14.9 million) project is being led by Thales and also includes Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters and Spain’s Indra.

Latvia says it has adjusted its air surveillance equipment and shortened decision-making processes to respond to “hybrid threats” emanating from Moscow.

The report was completed in July 2022 but not released publicly until Sept. 30.

The proposal is supported by NASA studies showing potential energy savings from the hybridization of the C-130.

McIntosh will replace Bridget Lauderdale, who is retiring as vice president and general manager of the F-35 after 38 years at Lockheed.

The three aircraft were first bought by the service in 2019 for the ill-fated Light Attack Experiment.

The joint venture company of Airbus, Leonardo and Fokker paid to strip the parts from Australia’s NH90 fleet.

First flight of the aircraft, a dedicated military variant of the company’s H160 twin-engine medium helicopter, is planned for 2025.