AU deals 20 C-130J Hercules, but government vague on industry advantage   

The national government has declared an enormous new request for 20 new C-130J Hercules aeroplanes for the Royal Australian Air Force, yet worryingly failed to define Australian industry benefits in the declaration. 

Defence Minister Richard Marles and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy uncovered the $9.8 billion in enjoying with Lockheed Martin yet were obscure about nearby industry orders. 

They said in a statement, “There will be significant benefits for Australian industry from the expanded fleet size, with opportunities to construct facilities and infrastructure and to sustain the aircraft.” 

“Having 20 aircraft, up from 12, will mean more opportunities for local industry to sustain the aircraft, creating more Australian jobs,” said Conroy. 

In April, the organisation said it had arranged a follow-on agreement until 2029, but no proper agreement has been agreed upon. 

Lockheed correspondingly neglected to refer to whether any immediate orders would be put with Australian aviation manufacturers. 

Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand Warren McDonald said: “Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand congratulates Defence on its commitment to procure a new and expanded C-130J fleet. These aircraft will add to the 65-year legacy of continuous C-130 operations by Australia.” 

“The C-130J has proven its ability to meet all of Australia’s medium air mobility requirements and is an excellent choice to support operations in Northern Australia, the importance of which was highlighted in the Defence Strategic Review.” 

The new acquisitions are supposed to be from late 2027 and utilised for the organization of faculty, equipment and humanitarian supplies. The aircraft is additionally utilised in search and salvage missions, debacle help and medical departure. 

Anyway, with such a monstrous request and expansion in the RAAF’s fleet size, and with talk in the US and Australia about developing the interrelationship of the two nations’ defence industry supply chains, one would have wanted to see Australian producers offered more than building framework and unclear maintenance services.