The Indonesian Air Force (IDAF) has taken delivery of its first C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft from Lockheed Martin.
A handover ceremony was conducted on Tuesday, with representatives from the Southeast Asian nation and the American company in attendance.
According to Lockheed, the delivery marks a transition to a new-generation platform for Indonesia, a long-time operator of the older C-130 model.
The Super Hercules will support IDAF missions anywhere and anytime with more power, strength, and capability.
“Indonesian Air Force crews have long trusted the C-130 to support the most challenging of missions facing Indonesia and other nations in the Pacific,” company vice president Rod McLean said in a press release.
“This new era of Super Hercules operations supports Indonesia in achieving mission success with a highly tailored airlift fleet.”
Shift to Modern Airlifter
Since the 1960s, the IDAF has operated a fleet of C-130s to support critical national and regional missions, including humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
However, the evolving military environment has increased the requirement for tactical airlift capability, and the Super Hercules is one of the top choices for Indonesia.
The C-130J-30 offers increased cargo capacity, speed, range, and performance to support personnel and cargo transport effectively.
Lockheed explained that the advanced airlifter can deliver military equipment to airfields with short unsurfaced runways and airdrop supplies.
It can carry up to 124 passengers or eight cargo pallets and work alongside other tactical transport aircraft, such as the C-27J Spartan and C-17A Globemaster III.
Additionally, the plane will expand the IDAF’s ability to partner with allies on missions and training that involved the Super Hercules.