Lockheed Martin has delivered the first of five C-130Js to New Zealand
August 10, 2024
Lockheed Martin delivered the first of five C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifters to the New Zealand Ministry of Defence and New Zealand Defence Force during a ceremony on 8 August. The aircraft was formally delivered at the Lockheed Martin facility in Marietta, Georgia.
New Zealand officials announced the nation’s intention to modernize the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s existing Hercules fleet in 2020. Five C-130H ‘Heritage Herks’ will be replaced by five new C-130J-30 variants, which will be acquired via the US FMS (Foreign Military Sale) mechanism. A joint project team with personnel from New Zealand’s Ministry of Defence and the New Zealand Defence Force worked alongside the US Air Force and Lockheed Martin to manage the aircraft delivery and training programs.
The new aircraft will serve with No.40 Squadron based at RNZAF Base Auckland, Whenuapai, replacing the old C-130Hs. The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) took delivery of the first three C-130H production models off the Lockheed production line in 1965, and then received two more in 1969. These have served as essential first-response resources for New Zealand and the entire Indo-Pacific region.
Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business said that: “From supporting humanitarian and disaster relief operations to partnering with allies in military operations, New Zealand’s C-130s are truly a global force for good. 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.”
The C-130J offers proven operational readiness, the greatest ease of transition from the ‘Heritage Herk’, increased reliability, superior tactical airlift and combat airdrop capabilities, and enhanced survivability, as well as low life-cycle costs with significant fuel savings resulting in a reduced carbon footprint compared to other medium-sized airlifters. The C-130J has been certificated by more than 20 airworthiness authorities, and delivers unmatched interoperability with NATO and global air forces.
