Monday, November 25, 2019

US approves sale of C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft for New Zealand


A C-130J Super Hercules, this example from the Royal Australian Air Force. Photo c/o Australian Aviation.

The US State Department has released information that the US government has given clearance for the sale of five (5) Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft to New Zealand.

The C-130J deal to New Zealand is expected to cost around US$1.4 billion, which will also include related equipment including the Wescam MX-20HD electro-optical (EO/IR) sensor turrets, defensive systems, as well as spares, training and logisitics support.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) also mentioned that "The proposed sale will improve New Zealand's capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing its current airlift capability.”

Delivery of the new C-130s will allow the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) to retire its older C-130H Hercules which are in service for several decades. Aside from transport duties, the new C-130s will be used for maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, search and rescue, and humanitarian support.


[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Defence Connect

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