Defense & Security Show 23 exhibitor Lockheed Martin has confirmed an acquisition from the Republic of the Philippines Department of National Defense of three new C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical aircraft through a Direct Commercial Sale.
The tactical mission profile requires a proven aircraft that delivers known operational results and capabilities when operating in challenging environmental and geographic conditions. The C-130J-30 is a well know aircraft platform that will add capabilities to the Philippine Air Force (PAF), who is already a C-130 operator.
The PAF currently operates a mixed fleet of legacy C-130s to support critical humanitarian, military and natural disaster relief missions throughout the Indo-Pacific region. PAF crews will operate the C-130J-30, the stretch version of the C-130J that offers an additional 15 feet (5 metres) of cargo space. The Super Hercules’ increased power, range, integration, space and capability will support PAF crews in meeting complex and evolving tactical mission requirements.
“Philippine Air Force crews have long demonstrated what the C-130 is designed to do: go everywhere — in any condition — to deliver hope and help where it’s needed most,” said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business.
With its new C-130J fleet, the Philippines is part of a global network of Super Hercules operators and offers the PAF unmatched commonality among allied partners, access to a robust international support community, an active supply chain, an innovative block upgrade program and training opportunities with other C-130J operators across the world.
The PAF’s existing knowledge of the Hercules aircraft and existing infrastructure also offers a seamless transition between airframes as compared to introducing an entirely new aircraft variant into a fleet, which requires significant time and investment that can prolong fleet readiness.
All three new aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in 2026.
