Philippines moves forward with acquisition of three C-130J-30 Super Hercules

The Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) on Tuesday reported the issuance of the «Notice to Proceed» on the purchase of three new Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 «Super Hercules» military transport aircraft for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

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«Procurement commenced in 2021, as part of the Second Horizon of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

Lockheed Martin Corporation is scheduled to deliver the first C-130J in July 2026 and the second in October of the same year. Delivery of the third aircraft is scheduled for January 2027. As reported by the Republic of the Philippines News Agency, the value of the contract for the three aircraft amounts to about $390 million.

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«The additional cargo space of the C-130J-30, coupled with the reliability of the C-130 aircraft we have in our current fleet, will provide our Air Force with greater operational flexibility,» Andolong said. He added that the PAF has a mixed fleet of C-130 aircraft that are vital to support humanitarian and disaster relief assistance and military operations.

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«The addition of the C-130J-30 to the inventory is a significant leap in terms of achieving a credible defense posture,» he commented.

«Elongated» Super Hercules

The C-130J-30 is a stretched version of the C-130J, a proven, highly reliable and affordable transport aircraft. The C-130J-30 adds 15 feet (4.5 mts) to the fuselage, increasing the usable space (two more pallets of equipment) in the cargo compartment.

Thanks to its extended fuselage, the C-130-30 can carry 8 pallets or 97 bunks or 24 CDS packages or 128 combat troops or 92 paratroopers, or a combination of any of these up to a maximum load capacity of 19,958 kilograms.