Lockheed Martin delivered the first of five C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifters to the New Zealand Ministry of Defence (MOD) and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) during a ceremony at Lockheed Martin's facility in Marietta, Georgia, on 8 August 2024.
The aircraft, NZ7011, first flew in April 2024. The New Zealand MoD ordered five C-130J-30 aircraft for $NZ1.5 billion in 2020. They will replace a fleet of five C-130H(NZ) aircraft.
"The RNZAF's new C-130J fleet will continue to support these critical missions while offering New Zealand increased allied alignment, greater reach, enhanced capabilities and proven performance for some of the most demanding tactical airlift operational requirements," said the vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business, Rod McLean.