Australia is poised to acquire a fleet of American four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft, C-130J Hercules, in a multibillion-dollar investment.
As announced on July 24, the government has approved a $9.8 billion ($6,670,669 USD) deal to acquire 20 new C-130J Hercules aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force.
These new acquisitions will replace and expand upon the existing fleet of 12 Hercules aircraft currently operated by the Air Force, with the delivery of the first aircraft anticipated to begin in late 2027.
“The government is ensuring the Australian Defense 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,” Minister for Defense Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP said.
“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,” he added.
Since 1999, the Australian Defense Force has depended on the C-130J Hercules aircraft for the deployment of personnel, equipment, and humanitarian supplies. Additionally, the aircraft is also used for search and rescue missions, disaster relief efforts, and medical evacuation operations.
The C-130J Hercules are made by Lockheed Martin and are being purchased from the United States. The aircraft will continue to be operated by No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond in NSW.
