New Zealand accepts first C-130J
RNZAF received its first C-130J on 8 August. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
New Zealand has begun the process of replacing its six decades-old Lockheed Martin C-130H transport aircraft after it took delivery of the first of five C-130J-30s.
In 2020, the country announced it was replacing its old C-130s with five C-130J-30 aircraft via a NZ$1.5 billion (US$600 million) Foreign Military Sale with the US Air Force.
The aircraft made its first flight in April this year and at the time the New Zealand government said that “the second Hercules is not far behind the first on the Lockheed Martin factory floor and will undergo its first test flight once it emerges from the paint shop”.
“Construction of a life-sized flight simulator is also on track for delivery to RNZAF Base Auckland in 2025,” the country’s government said. “The building that will house it is well underway, with roof construction nearing completion.”
Crews from 40 Squadron located at RNZAF Base Auckland, Whenuapai will operate the new C-130Js.
The existing Hercules fleet has long been an essential first response option for the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), whether deployed on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, on supply missions to Antarctica, or to conflict zones like Afghanistan and East Timor.
Recent deployments using RNZAF C-130Hs have included the transport of urgent medical equipment, vehicles and rescue personnel to Hawkes Bay after Cyclone Gabrielle, as well as surplus military equipment and 50 NZDF personnel to Europe to support Ukraine.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Future Air Mobility Capability (FAMC) B757-200 Replacement - New Zealand
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Airbus awaits USMC decision on Logistics Connector programme
Airbus has been advancing development of its uncrewed MQ-72C Logistics Connector for the US Marine Corps, with a decision on the programme expected in early 2026.
-
Belgium considers additional F-35 order to boost fleet
The statement from Prime Minister Bart De Wever during a parliamentary session follows the country’s Easter Agreement which would see it increase defence spending to 2% of GDP by the end of 2025.
-
Northrop Grumman notes $477 million loss as it manages higher B-21 programme costs
In its Q1 earnings call, the company disclosed a US$477 million pretax loss related to the programme as it works to scale up.
-
Lockheed Martin wants to “supercharge” F-35 after NGAD loss
The investment in technologies developed for Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) aircraft bid will now be applied to its F-35 and F-22 aircraft, according to Lockheed Martin CEO James Taiclet.