Mexico has acquired its first C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifter, becoming the first Latin American nation to utilize the iconic transport aircraft.
Signed in 2025, the deal with Lockheed Martin formalizes Mexico’s entry into the global C-130J fleet, which now spans more than 560 aircraft across 25 nations.
The Mexican Air Force will operate the stretch version of the C-130J, which features 15 feet (4.5 meters) of additional cargo space, enhancing its ability to carry troops, supplies, and mission equipment on humanitarian and defense missions.
This acquisition caps decades of reliance on heritage C-130 models. For half a century, C-130s have been central to Mexico’s responses to natural disasters, military operations, and regional humanitarian needs.
Lockheed Martin said the long operational history of the Hercules in Mexico will ease the transition, with existing infrastructure, flight crews, and maintenance personnel able to adapt quickly to the newer aircraft.
Mexican Defense Updates
Mexico has actively expanded its military capabilities in the past two years.
Alongside the decision to acquire the C‑130J‑30 Super Hercules, Mexico has planned investments in mobile radar systems to improve airspace vigilance, particularly in the southeast where illicit flights are a persistent concern.
This effort aims to expand coverage and detection capability for national airspace security.
Plans to build two multipurpose logistical support ships have also been detailed, with an estimated cost of about 2.09 billion Mexican pesos ($116 million). These vessels would enhance sea‑lift capability, disaster response, and humanitarian support.
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