Lockheed Martin has completed the upgrade of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft fleet to the Block 8.1 standard, following the declaration of Final Operational Capability (FOC) for the program on December 17, 2025.
The fleet consists of 12 aircraft operated by No. 37 Squadron, based at RAAF Base Richmond in New South Wales. The upgrade work was carried out under Project AIR 5440, whose objective was to bring the C-130J fleet to the latest Block configuration standard, incorporating improvements in critical systems, software, and hardware to enhance safety and operational effectiveness.
According to official information, the modernization included significant upgrades to communications and navigation systems. Key improvements featured the integration of data links, integrated satellite voice communications, new high-frequency radios, and enhanced instrument approach capabilities.
The first aircraft was upgraded by Lockheed Martin in the United States, with support from the U.S. Air Force. The remaining 11 aircraft were upgraded in Australia at RAAF Base Richmond by Airbus Australia Pacific, the partner responsible for sustaining the RAAF’s C-130J fleet. In parallel, the C-130J full-flight simulator was also upgraded, with system modifications carried out by CAE Australia.
The C-130J Hercules entered service with the RAAF in 1999. The aircraft is capable of transporting approximately 120 passengers or up to 20 tonnes of cargo, providing medium air mobility capability to the Australian Defence Force, complementing the C-27J Spartan and the C-17A Globemaster III fleets.
The improvements introduced with the Block 8.1 standard will allow the fleet to maintain current levels of capability and operational availability until deliveries begin of the expanded replacement fleet, consisting of 20 new C-130J Hercules aircraft, scheduled to start later this decade.
Since its introduction into service, the C-130J has participated in overseas combat and logistical support operations, including deployments to the Middle East under Operations Slipper, Okra, and Highroad, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. These have included the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, floods in Queensland, Cyclone Yasi, the 2019–2020 bushfires, and the response to the volcanic eruption in Tonga in 2022.
The RAAF’s C-130J fleet will remain in service at least until the 2030s, when it will be progressively replaced by a new generation of aircraft under Project AIR 7404. During this period, it will continue to serve as the backbone of Australia’s tactical airlift capability, within a service history totaling approximately 870,000 accumulated flight hours across No. 36 and No. 37 Squadrons in all C-130 variants.
*Images for illustrative purposes only.
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