For Australia, the best replacement for a C-130J is another C-130J

The Royal Australian Air Force decided that to replace and reinforce its fleet of 12 C-130J Super Hercules medium transport aircraft, nothing better than newer Super Hercules.

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Under the AIR 7404 Phase 1 project, the Royal Australian Air Force is looking to replace and expand its current medium airlift fleet of 12 C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, which it acquired in 1999. Australia would be looking to replace some of the older units and expand its fleet, potentially purchasing up to 30 new C-130Js from the factory.

The Australian Ministry of Defense contacted several aircraft manufacturers and received information on all available medium air mobility options. The relative merits of each aircraft type were assessed in relation to Australia’s capability requirements.

Having learned from past mistakes (such as the Collins-class submarines or the ARH Tiger and MRH-90 Taipan helicopters), this time a low-risk, full-function certified, proven, mature and affordable replacement aircraft was sought to meet Australia’s air mobility needs. The project principles have incorporated lessons learned from previous major Defense acquisitions, as well as from the operational experience of the current combat-proven C-130J fleet.

See also: U.S. approves sale of UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to Australia

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The Australian Ministry of Defense made the determination that new C-130J Super Hercules represent the only option that satisfies all the requirements outlined in the AIR 7404 Phase 1 project and secures Australia’s medium air mobility capability, without introducing substantial cost, technological immaturity, schedule and capability risk.

Accordingly, the Australian Ministry of Defense reported that the only option it will submit for Government approval under the AIR 7404 Phase 1 project in 2023 will be the purchase of a new batch of Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules.