Introducing the C-130J

In 2020 the New Zealand government signed a $1.5 billion deal for five new C-130J-30 Super Hercules planes. The current C-130H fleet dates back as far as 1965. A C-130J Super Hercules has a wingspan of 40 metres and weighs 34 tonnes. The aircraft is designed to operate from short or unprepared airstrips.

The Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Tony Davies, has joined Defence Minister Judith Collins in welcoming the first of the new C-130J Hercules fleet at a ceremony at RNZAF Base Auckland this morning.

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The Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Darryn Webb, has welcomed news of the debut flights of NZ7011, the first of our five C-130J-30 Super Hercules fleet.

The first of the Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J-30 Hercules to come off the Lockheed Martin production line in Georgia, United States has received its official livery - featuring the RNZAF Kiwi Roundel and No. 40 Squadron’s mariner's compass.

New Zealand's first C-130J Hercules aircraft has been painted, marking a significant milestone in the project to replace the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) Hercules fleet.

The first phase of construction of New Zealand’s C-130J-30 Super Hercules flight simulator has been completed in Canada.

Representatives from New Zealand, defence personnel and senior staff from Lockheed Martin, gathered at the Marietta factory in Georgia, USA this week to celebrate a major milestone in the C-130-J project.

New Zealand’s fleet of C-130H Hercules have been a visible presence in the skies around Aotearoa and further afield since 1965.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) will officially retire the first of its Lockheed C-130H Hercules tactical transport aircraft this week.

Team Little Rock recently received 16 maintenance members of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) who have commenced training at Little Rock Air Force Base in preparation for the arrival of five new C-130J-30 Hercules in 2024.

Lockheed Martin has locked in a $38-million deal to supply C-130J Super Hercules Weapons System Trainers to the Royal New Zealand Air Force.