iscover
The RAAF’s fleet of Hercules is set to be equipped with new technology that can detect and counter electronic warfare attacks.
Defence has selected Northrop Grumman to install the AN/ALQ-251 system that can offer radar warning and precision direction-finding of radio frequency threats.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
The system is currently in production for the US Department of Defense and is available to its international partners.
“With the increase of advanced radio frequency threats, our digital AN/ALQ-251 system allows the RAAF’s C-130J fleet the freedom of manoeuvre to carry out its wide range of humanitarian and national security missions safely,” James Conroy, Northrop’s VP of navigation, targeting and survivability, said.
Having been manufactured for more than 60 years, the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules is the longest continuously produced military aircraft.
In total, 48 have supported ADF operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, East Timor and Vietnam, and humanitarian disaster relief missions in Pakistan, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the South Pacific.
Australia obtained its initial batch in December 1958, becoming the first nation to operate the aircraft outside of the US Air Force.
The four-engine turboprop, medium-lift aircraft increased transport capability and reduced reliance on piston-driven aircraft such as the C-47. The latest J variant was first operated in 1999 by the RAAF.
Two years ago, the federal government announced Australia would purchase 20 more to both replace and expand its current fleet of 12.
The new aircraft are expected to arrive from late 2027 and will continue to be operated by No. 37 Squadron at RAAF Base Richmond in NSW.
Making the announcement, Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, hailed the Hercules as a “reliable workhorse” in roles from humanitarian operations to conflict zones.
“Having 20 aircraft, up from 12, will mean more opportunities for local industry to sustain the aircraft, creating more Australian jobs,” he said.
“There’ll also be jobs associated with infrastructure redevelopments at RAAF Base Richmond.”
Defence Minister Richard Marles also praised the C-130J Hercules as an important capability for both the ADF and Australia as a nation.
“From bushfire and flood emergencies across the country, the delivery of crucial supplies to the region during the COVID-19 pandemic and more than two decades supporting peacekeeping operations, this has and will continue to be a crucial asset,” Minister Marles said.
“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring the ADF is equipped with the capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe, and this targeted expansion of the fleet size will do just that.”
Want to see more stories from trusted news sources?
Make Australian Aviation a preferred news source on Google.
Click here to add Australian Aviation as a preferred news source.
