Australia has moved one step closer to a major renewal of its strategic airlift capability with the US State Department approving the possible sale of two dozen C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, valued at up to $6.35 billion .
According to a statement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the US State Department on Wednesday announced that foreign militaries may sell 24 Super Hercules aircraft to Australia.
The DSCA statement regarding the proposed deal said: “The Australian Air Force (RAAF) with its aging cargo fleet, ensures reliable air transport and allows allowing the RAAF to improve its overall operability. “Australia should have no trouble absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”
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In addition, its announcement said the main contractor would be Lockheed Martin Corporation, Marietta, GA. No offsetting arrangements are proposed in connection with this potential sale.
The C-130J is the newest addition to the C-130 fleet and has replaced aging C-130Es and some older C-130Hs. The C-130J incorporates state-of-the-art technology, which reduces manpower requirements, lowers operating and support costs, and saves lifecycle costs compared to previous C-130 models.
The C-130J-30 is a stretched version, adding 15 feet to the fuselage, increasing usable space in the cargo compartment.
