Australia to replace existing C-130J fleet with new C-130J Super Hercules

 

One of the RAAF's C-130J Super Hercules. Photo c/o Western Advocate.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will be replacing its current fleet of 12 Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft as part of efforts to improve mobility capabilities.

The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) announced that its existing C-130J fleet will be replaced with a new fleet of C-130J Super Hercules.

No specific variants and number of aircraft, as well as cost or program schedule have not been announced yet, although based on previous statements by Lockheed Martin in 2021 indicate that the quantity may exceed the current fleet size – up to 30 aircraft and may also include aerial refuelling tanker variants.

The C-130J Super Hercules was selected to replace the older fleet after evaluating several tactical transport aircraft models, and found that staying with the C-130J assures medium air mobility capability without substantial cost, schedule and capability risks.

Prior to operating the C-130J Super Hercules, the RAAF have been operating legacy Hercules variants since 1958 including the C-130A, C-130E, and C-130H. 

The RAAF’s C-130J Super Hercules first entered service in 1999 to replace the C-130H, and has a fleet average age of around 23 years.

The DoD’s Project AIR 7404 Phase 1 Medium Air Mobility Replacement, which covers the project to replace the RAAF’s existing C-130J fleet, will be pushing forward for government approval under Fiscal Year 2023.

Lockheed Martin has welcomed the Australian DoD’s announcement, with company Chief Executive Officer for Australia Warren McDonald saying the RAAF will  get one of the most modern and advanced C-130J fleet in the world, with a proven track record of versatility and reliaibilty.

[1] Australian Department of Defence

[2] Janes

[3] Flight Global