AIR 7404 will acquire 20 C-130J Hercules aircraft to replace the current fleet of 12 C-130J Hercules.

The C-130J Hercules provides Australia with a proven, highly versatile air mobility capability equipped to enable and sustain rapid deployments of Australian personnel and equipment into our region, including to harsh and hazardous environments impacted by conflict or humanitarian disasters.

The aircraft and supporting systems are being acquired through Foreign Military Sales arrangements with the United States Government. This includes:

• ground support equipment
• communications, sensor and self-protection systems
• training systems
• support services
• supply parts and spares.

The C-130J Hercules being acquired is a derivative of the reliable and combat-proven aircraft operated by the Royal Australian Air Force since 1999.

Opportunities for Australian industry participation will exist on a competitive contracting basis throughout the lifecycle of the C-130J Hercules. This includes facilities construction, deeper maintenance, training system operation and support, sustainment, logistics support and component repair.

The new C-130J Hercules is planned for delivery from 2028 onwards and will be based at RAAF Richmond.

Content is current as at January 2026.