Last KC-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft handed over

Based on a contract between the USA and Germany on the delivery of six C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, the first aircraft was delivered in early 2022. The last aircraft was handed over on 19 April 2024. This marked the successful completion of the procurement process within the schedule.

Zoom

Already tested on operations

On 19 April 2024, after its ferry flight from the USA, the aircraft with the tail number 55+06 landed on time in Évreux, France. This is also the place where the aircraft will be used by the Franco-German Air Transport Squadron. In total, the squadron now has five each of the C-130J-30 Super Hercules and KC-130J Super Hercules aircraft. 

The aircraft have already been successfully put to the test. Most recently, German C-130J-30 and KC-130J were deployed as part of the Gaza Airdrop Mission.

Commercially available product for the armed forces

The aircraft produced by the USUnited States manufacturer Lockheed Martin were procured by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBwBundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr) in Koblenz via Foreign Military Sales from the U.S. Air Force.

More precisely, the six aircraft procured for the Bundeswehr include three C-130J-30, stretch version, and three KC-130J. All six aircraft can be refueled in the air, and the three KC-130J are also capable of supplying other aircraft with fuel.

Everything on schedule

The project manager at BAAINBwBundesamt für Ausrüstung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr, Ricardo S., is pleased: “The aircraft were delivered smoothly and on time. Between the delivery of the first KC-130J and their deployment in Gaza there were just four weeks, including all handover activities. The procurement of a mature, commercially available aircraft type has proved its worth here. With the C-130J, the Armed Forces are receiving a highly effective aircraft type appreciated by many air forces. Deployment of the aircraft will become even more effective in cooperation with our French partner.”

Also with a view to the particular challenges that are arising at this turning point in history, the swift completion of the procurement process marked an important milestone.