The acquisition of three C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft from Lockheed Martin through a direct commercial sale has been announced by the Department of National Defence of the Republic of the Philippines.

The C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft is a reliable aircraft that provides high operational results and capabilities, while it can operate under adverse weather and geographical conditions. All three aircraft are to be delivered to the Philippines in 2026, substantially enhancing the capabilities of the country’s Air Force (PAF).

The Philippines acquired C-130 aircraft in the early 1970s and currently maintains a mixed fleet of legacy C-130s to support critical humanitarian and military missions throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

The C-130J-30 version of the aircraft is the largest – by 5 meters – version of the C-130J. The increased power, range, integration, space and capabilities of the Super Hercules will assist PAF aircrews in accomplishing complex and demanding missions.

“Philippine Air Force crews have long proven what the C-130 can do: go anywhere, in any conditions, to deliver hope and help where it’s needed most,” said Rod McLean, Vice President and General Director of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility Directorate.

With the new C-130J fleet, the Philippines is part of a global network of Super Hercules operators and offers its Air Force access to a strong international support community, an active supply chain and an innovative upgrade program and training with other C-130J operators worldwide.

To date, 22 nations are part of the global C-130J fleet. Lockheed Martin has delivered to these states more than 525 C-130J Super Hercules in 10 variants.

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