The Australian Ministry of Defense announced plans to acquire 20 new C-130J Super Hercules aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force for about $6.5 billion.
As we anticipated in October 2022, the Australian Ministry of Defense reached the conclusion that the only aircraft that met all the requirements outlined in the AIR 7404 Phase 1 project (replacement of its C-130Js and expansion of tactical transport aircraft fleet) was the new-build C-130J Super Hercules.
See also: For Australia, the best replacement for a C-130J is another C-130J
According to government officials, a new batch of Super Hercules would secure Australia’s medium air mobility capability, without introducing substantial cost, technological immaturity, schedule and capability risk. A month later, the U.S. State Department authorized the possible sale of 24 C-130J-30 Super Hercules for the Royal Australian Air Force, for USD 6.35 billion.
Finally, Canberra will purchase 20 aircraft for around USD 6.5 billion. The first aircraft would begin arriving in Australia from 2027. The fleet expansion would bring significant benefits to Australian industry, with opportunities to build facilities and infrastructure and maintain the aircraft.
The Australian Defense Force relies on the C-130J Hercules aircraft for the deployment of humanitarian personnel, equipment and supplies. This iconic aircraft is routinely used for search and rescue, disaster relief and medical evacuation missions.
The C-130J has been involved in almost every major defense operation in recent decades, from Bougainville relief and peacekeeping in East Timor to conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Most recently, the aircraft supported Australia’s response to COVID-19 in the region, delivering vaccines and medical supplies, as well as responding to bushfires and floods.
