Indonesian Air Force receives first C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft from US

Asia-Pacific, News, US February 24, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. defense manufacturer delivered the first of five C-130J-30 Super Hercules military transport aircraft to the Indonesian Air Force (IDAF) during a ceremony held in Marietta, Georgia, United States.

According to the Indonesian Air Force statement, the country’s Air Force Chief of Staff Air Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo formally accepted the Super Hercules tactical airlifter from Lockheed vice-president Rod Mclean.

The C-130J-30 aircraft for Indonesian Air Force offer increased cargo capacity, speed, range, power, performance, and lower operating costs. The IDAF’s new C-130J-30s expand Indonesian forces’ ability to partner on missions and training opportunities with allies and regional forces operating Super Hercules.

Vice president and general manager of Air Mobility & Maritime Missions programs at Lockheed Martin Rod McLean said, “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.”

“This new era of Super Hercules operations supports Indonesia in achieving mission success with a highly tailored airlift fleet that ensures IDAF crews can support any task — anywhere, anytime — with more power, strength, and capability for decades to come,” McLean added.

*^{Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo aboard the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. (Image Credit: Indonesian Air Force)}*

The Lockheed Martin statement highlighted that Indonesia has operated C-130s since the 1960s, using its Hercules fleet for critical national and regional missions such as delivering humanitarian aid and disaster relief, and providing military and peacekeeping support around the Pacific Rim.

In September 2021, Indonesia signed a contract with Lockheed Martin for C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft. The first C-130J-30 tactical airlifter will depart from the United States to Indonesia on February 28 and arrive in Indonesia on March 6, 2023. The rest of the four aircraft deliveries are expected to take place in mid to late 2023, and early 2024.

According to the Lockheed Martin statement, The C-130J Super Hercules is the worldwide choice in tactical airlift”. The Super Hercules has the capability to support 18 different mission requirements, and so far, more than 520 C-130Js have been delivered to 26 operators in 22 countries.