C-130J-30 Hercules

The C-130J-30 Hercules aircraft provides strategic airlift (inter-theatre) and tactical airlift (intra-theatre) as well as participating in international training exercises. Tasks are flown in support of combat, peace-keeping and humanitarian relief operations. Missions include passenger and cargo movement (by air-land or airdrop), aero-medical evacuation, support to Antarctica New Zealand and special operations. The agility of the C-130J Hercules aircraft means it can be seen operating in the cold of Antarctica one week and the heat of the tropics the next.

The Fleet

Our Royal New Zealand Air Force will be operating five C-130J Hercules aircraft by the end of the year. We took delivery of the first aircraft, NZ7011, on September 4, 2024. The fleet will be replacing the C-130(H) NZ existing fleet, which will retire by the end of January 2025.

The new Hercules fleet is a significant Government investment in New Zealand’s ability to respond to national and international events, anytime and anywhere.

They have more power than their predecessor, can fly further and faster, and carry more combat capable personnel, equipment and life-saving aid to communities, whether they be in New Zealand, the Pacific or around the world.

The Hercules is an essential first response option for Defence, carrying out humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, search and rescue missions, and deploying personnel and equipment to conflict zones.

The new Hercules fleet ensures New Zealand will be able to work with key Defence partners who already operate this aircraft, including our military ally Australia, and the United States, Canada, Germany and France.

The new aircraft will be based at RNZAF Base Auckland and operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s No. 40 Squadron.

Specifications