Australia receives first upgraded C-130J
The Royal Australian Air Force has welcomed back its first upgraded C-130J transport aircraft. (RAAF)
Australia is upgrading its C-130J fleet and has prepared the way for a future P-8A upgrade, but the RAAF is struggling with its much-delayed C-27J programme.
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) announced that, in December, its first upgraded C-130J-30 Hercules arrived back at RAAF Base Richmond in Australia from the US.
The aircraft was modernised from Block 6.1 to Block 8.1configuration by Lockheed Martin, with assistance from the USAF.
The primary modifications are new hardware and software that improve safety. This includes the navigation system, which will ‘ensure greater accuracy during landing approaches,’ according to the RAAF.
The remaining 11 C-130Js in the Australian inventory will be upgraded on home soil by Airbus Australia Pacific.
Australia is contemplating obtaining additional Hercules aircraft too as it
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order]()
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
-
![2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending]()
2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending
Qatar and Indonesia followed the US’s high spending on new uncrewed aerial vehicle contracts across 2025, while MALE and micro drones and loitering munitions were particularly popular subcategories this year.
-
![German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery]()
German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery
With all 31 aircraft set to be delivered by 2030, the helicopters will gradually replace the ageing Sea Lynx fleet which are due to be retired in 2026.
