Lockheed Martin has announced that it will be farming out $175-million-worth of work to Ontario companies in connection with the federal government's purchase of its Super Hercules aircraft.

The news is one of four regional announcements which will total the first 60 per cent of the industrial benefits obligation under the $1.4-billion contract.

It has also committed $242 million to Atlantic Canada, $241 million to Quebec and $185 million to Western Canada.

The federal government last week agreed to buy 17 C-130J Super Hercules airlifters and related equipment and services. The aircraft are being used for troop and equipment resupply via ground delivery and airdrop, for air-to-air refuelling, ground refuelling and humanitarian relief.

"The addition of the C-130J program will allow us to build on what we are already doing in Canada. It is a tremendous opportunity to strengthen existing relationships in Canada, develop new ones, and work together to enhance the capabilities and expertise of Canadian industry," said Ross Reynolds, Lockheed Martin's vice-president of C-130 programs.

The company said Ottawa-based Telesat Canada would be one of the Ontario companies set to benefit from the commitments to the region, with Lockheed Martin using Telesat's WAAS GCCS Signals in Space services.

Delivery for the aircraft will begin in 2010 and be completed by 2013.