DEFENCE
Reaching for the sky – Super Hercules delivery in 2024 Hot on the heels of big airlift and surveillance announcements, Defence Minister Hon Ron Mark highlights the new capabilities of the C-130J, with work to replace the Boeing 757s to begin next year. Last month it was my privilege to announce a continued investment in air capability, one which will help future-proof New Zealand’s ability to conduct air operations in support of our Defence Force and other government agencies, over the next two decades and beyond. The Coalition Government has now purchased five Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft, to replace the existing fleet, at a total cost of $1.521 billion. Last year, Cabinet selected these aircraft as the preferred option to replace the current Hercules fleet. Procurement of the Super Hercules has been my highest capability priority as Minister of Defence.
Along with the new fleet, this project will deliver a full mission flight simulator and other supporting infrastructure. The first of the new Hercules will be delivered in 2024, with the full fleet operating from 2025, allowing for a phased retirement of the current fleet. Generations of New Zealanders have grown up and grown old with the Hercules, and they know these aircraft are an essential first line of response. The existing C-130 Hercules fleet was purchased in 1965 and 1969 respectively. By the time this fleet is retired, it will have served for some 60 years in operational service to this nation. This fleet will have provided significant value in operations here at
Hon Ron Mark is Minister of Defence. He served as mayor of Carterton from 2010 to 2014, and previously as an officer in the New Zealand Army and in the Sultan of Oman’s Armed Forces.
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Line of Defence
