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Lockheed Martin and New Zealand representatives at the C-130J-30 delivery event in Marietta, Georgia.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force took delivery of its first Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Hercules on Aug. 8 to kick off a much-needed fleet modernization.
The first of five aircraft was handed over at Lockheed’s facility in Marietta, Georgia. Deliveries are set to be completed by September 2025.
In 2020, Auckland signed a deal for the five aircraft worth NZ$1.5 billion ($900 million). Foreign Military Sales documents show the aircraft will be equipped with Link-16 data links and AN/AAR-47 missile warning systems. Photographs also show the installation of Satcoms as well as a chin-mounted electrooptic turret to give the Hercules surveillance capabilities, complementing RNZAF’s Boeing P-8A Poseidons.
The oldest RNZAF Hercules was delivered in 1965. Its retirement had begun in February 2023, well before C-130J-30 deliveries. Aviation Week fleet data shows New Zealand with only one C-130H in active service.
Along with the new Hercules, the RNZAF also will receive a C-130J full motion simulator that will be installed at RNZAF Base Auckland in Whenuapai, which is home to 40 Squadron.
Meanwhile, the RNZAF also has revisited a requirement to replace two Boeing 757-2K2, used for VIP and freight missions. The urgency to replace the ex-airliners was highlighted when Prime Minister Christopher Luxton had to switch to a commercial flight after his 757 was left unserviceable on a stopover in Papua New Guinea while en route to Japan for a working visit.
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