New Zealand is willing to acquire C-130J-30 to replace its C-130H.
On June 11th, New Zealand’s Ministry of Defense revealed it was exploring the possibility to replace its C-130H with C-130J-30.
“After considering the range of military air transport aircraft carefully, the Super Hercules has been selected as it offers the necessary range and payload capability as well as fully meeting New Zealand Defense Force’s requirements.” The replacement of the five C-130H is part of the government’s priorities and is thus registered within the Coalition Government’s Defense Capability Plan 2019.
To this end, before the formalization of the contract, New Zealand revealed its interest to the United-States and asked them additional information regarding the price of the aircraft. If the contract is formalized, Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules will be acquired through a FMS procedure.
Depending on the information provided by the American government, New Zealand could take a final decision regarding the number of platforms that will be acquired. New Zealand allows a current budgetary envelope worth a billion dollars.