New Zealand Celebrates Arrival of Its Inaugural C-130J: A Major Enhancement to the Global Super Hercules Team

A new epoch of strategic airlift capability for New Zealand has formally begun as Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) delivered the first C-130J Super Hercules tactical airlifter to the New Zealand Ministry of Defence and New Zealand Defence Force during an event at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Marietta, Georgia, on August 8.

For almost sixty years, the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) C-130Hs have served as essential first-response resources for New Zealand and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Teams from 40 Squadron, stationed at RNZAF Base Auckland, Whenuapai, will operate the new C-130Js, which embody one of the most advanced configurations of the Super Hercules ever produced.

“From supporting humanitarian initiatives and disaster response to engaging with allies in military operations, New Zealand’s C-130s embody a truly global force for good,” remarked Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions division. “The RNZAF’s latest C-130J fleet will continue to undertake these critical missions while delivering enhanced allied cooperation, expanded operational range, superior capabilities, and proven performance for some of the most demanding tactical airlift operational requirements.”