Defence to procure updated Hercules under AIR 7404-1

Air

01 November 2022

By: Reporter

Defence to procure updated Hercules under AIR 7404-1

Having approached various aircraft manufacturers, Defence has announced that it will seek to procure an updated C-130J Hercules for the ADF’s medium air mobility operations.

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Part of Project AIR 7404 Phase 1, Defence has announced that it will replace and expand its fleet of C-130J Hercules medium air mobility capabilities with an updated model of the plane.

There are currently 12 C-130Js in operation with the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with the current variant in service with the Royal Australian Air Force since 1999.

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Defence has confirmed that it had approached various aircraft manufacturers prior to the announcement to assess a variety of potential replacements for the medium air mobility capability, weighing up their capabilities relative to Defence’s needs.

Following the assessment, Defence determined that an updated model of the C-130J was best placed to meet Defence capability requirements.

“Defence seeks a low-risk, certified in all roles, proven, mature and affordable replacement aircraft that meets Australia’s air mobility needs,” a release from Defence read.

“Project principles have incorporated lessons learned from previous major Defence acquisitions as well as the in-service experience with the current C‑130J fleet.”