Defence hails completion of C-130J Hercules upgrades

“[AIR5440’s] completion ensures the fleet remains safe, compliant, interoperable and operationally relevant in a modern and evolving airspace environment,” Defence said.

Director General Airlift and Tanker Systems Air Commodore Noel Corbet said the occasion was about “recognising the journey, acknowledging the achievement and strengthening partnerships for the future”.

“This program completion is an impressive milestone for Defence and industry. This event is an appropriate acknowledgment for all personnel involved in delivering the program and the strength that is derived from collaboration as a foundation for our future capability delivery,” he said.

“Without the persistence, resilience and commitment of the teams across Defence, our international partners and industry over the life of the project, none of this would have been possible.”

The 12 aircraft, operated by No. 37 Squadron from RAAF Base Richmond, have been brought up to Block 8.1 configuration through updates to aircraft systems and safety-critical software and hardware.

The first aircraft was upgraded in the US by Lockheed Martin, with support from the US Air Force, while the remaining 11 were modified at RAAF Base Richmond by Airbus Australia Pacific, the fleet’s sustainment partner.

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The upgrades included major improvements to communications and navigation, with new datalink capability, integrated satellite voice, upgraded high-frequency radios and enhanced instrument approach systems.

According to Defence, the upgrades include “enhanced avionics, communications and navigation systems; improvements to safety-critical software and hardware; upgraded mission systems and satellite datalink capability; and enhanced instrument approach capability to meet contemporary airspace requirements”.

“Delivered in close partnership with industry partners Lockheed Martin Australia, Airbus and CAE, the program has strengthened the C-130J fleet’s mission effectiveness, communications and access to both national and international airspace,” Defence said.

“These enhancements support Defence’s ability to conduct air mobility operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as regional and coalition missions.”

In 2023, the Australian government formally approved the acquisition of 20 new C-130J aircraft to replace and expand the existing fleet, with deliveries expected to commence from late 2027.

The C-130J Super Hercules is operated by 23 nations worldwide, with more than 560 aircraft delivered to date. The global fleet has accumulated more than 3 million flight hours.