The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) has received the first of five C-130J Super Hercules aircraft from Lockheed Martin as part of efforts to modernise New Zealand’s tactical airlift capabilities.
The new C-130J aircraft, which will be operated by 40 Squadron at RNZAF Base Auckland in Whenuapai, replaces the older C-130H models that have been in service for nearly six decades.
These older aircraft have played a crucial role in New Zealand’s response efforts across the Indo-Pacific region.
Lockheed Martin highlighted the versatility of the C-130J, noting its role in various missions, including humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and military operations alongside international allies.
“The RNZAF’s new C-130J fleet will continue to support these critical missions while offering New Zealand increased allied alignment, greater reach, enhanced capabilities and proven performance for some of the most demanding tactical airlift operational requirements,” said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions.
The decision to upgrade the fleet was made in 2020, with New Zealand opting for five C-130J-30 variants through a Foreign Military Sale agreement with the U.S. Air Force. Since then, a joint project team from New Zealand’s Ministry of Defence, the New Zealand Defence Force, the U.S. Air Force, and Lockheed Martin has overseen the delivery process and associated training programs.
The C-130J is well known for its operational readiness, reliability, and capability in tactical airlift and combat airdrop missions. It is also certified by multiple airworthiness authorities and is designed for interoperability with NATO and other global air forces.
And we gave ours away.
Yeah cause they were worn out and were going to need their wing boxes replacing and it is cheaper in the long term to operate 1 type of turboprop airlifter
Except there’s things the c130 could do that the Atlas can’t.
Don’t disagree with your comment, however its of the loss of asset numbers. A cut is a cut.
I hope sometime we’ll replace the smaller airlift capability we lost retiring out C130 fleet with newer ones or other similar spec aircraft.
Hard to believe we don’t have Hercules no more 😟 🇬🇧
Good to se the RNZAF renewing equipment, both the J model and P8’s. I think a part of the decision making is our close alliance and interoperability with our Aussies cousins across the ditch.