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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.
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.”
[Related: Indonesian Hercules arrives in Townsville for bilateral training]
