The Albanese Government of Australia has taken the decision to purchase 20 new Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force at a cost of $9.8 billion.
The Albanese Government of Australia has announced its decision to purchase 20 new Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at a cost of $9.8 billion. The acquisition of these state-of-the-art aircraft is aimed at meeting the air transport needs of the future and will replace and expand upon the 12 Hercules aircraft currently operated by the Air Force. The delivery of the first aircraft is expected to commence from late 2027.
The expanded fleet size will bring significant benefits to the Australian industry, providing opportunities to construct facilities and infrastructure and sustain the aircraft. The C-130J Hercules is a crucial asset for the Australian Defence Force, playing a pivotal role in the deployment of personnel, equipment, and humanitarian supplies. The iconic aircraft is regularly utilized in search and rescue missions, disaster relief operations, and medical evacuations.
Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Australia said, “The C-130J Hercules is an important capability for our defence force, but also for Australia as a nation. From bushfire and flood emergencies across the country, the delivery of crucial supplies to the region during the COVID-19 pandemic and more than two decades supporting peacekeeping operations, this has and will continue to be a crucial asset. The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring the ADF is equipped with the capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe, and this targeted expansion of the fleet size will do just that.”
Throughout recent decades, the C-130J has been involved in almost every major Defence operation, contributing to Bougainville assistance, Timor-Leste peacekeeping, conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and more. It also played a crucial role in supporting Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic by delivering vaccines and medical supplies to the region, as well as in responding to bushfires and floods.
The C-130J Hercules aircraft are manufactured by Lockheed Martin and will be purchased from the United States. The aircraft will continue to be operated by No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales.
Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry, Australia said, “The Government is ensuring the Australian Defence Force is equipped with brand new C-130J Hercules aircraft, and more of them, to respond to the wide range of challenges our nation will face in the future. Since 1999, the C-130J Hercules has served Australia across our region and beyond, proving to be a reliable workhorse in roles from humanitarian operations to conflict zones. Having 20 aircraft, up from 12, will mean more opportunities for local industry to sustain the aircraft, creating more Australian jobs. There’ll also be jobs associated with infrastructure redevelopments at RAAF Base Richmond.”
The decision to increase the fleet size from 12 to 20 aircraft will create more opportunities for local industry, generating jobs associated with the sustainability of the aircraft and infrastructure redevelopment at RAAF Base Richmond.
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Overall, the acquisition of the C-130J Hercules aircraft reflects the Albanese Government’s dedication to providing the Australian Defence Force with the capabilities necessary to ensure the safety and security of the nation. The expansion of the fleet will enhance Australia’s ability to respond to emergencies, support regional humanitarian efforts, and uphold peacekeeping operations, further solidifying the nation’s position as a responsible and capable global partner.
