Malaysia plans to replace ageing C-130 fleet by 2040, eyes latest C-130J Super Hercules

Isa Khan · Sep 25, 2021

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has started planning for the eventual replacement of its ageing fleet of Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft.

The service is looking at the latest variant of the Hercules family of aircraft, the C-130J Super Hercules from Lockheed Martin as the potential replacement among several other candidates, although a final selection is too early to be determined at this point.

According to the RMAF, the C-130J Super Hercules share several components with the older C-130H Hercules, which makes it easier to transition to in terms of logistics and support.

The RMAF currently has 10 C-130H Hercules tactical transport aircraft, with several of them being the C-130H-30 stretched variants, and 4 KC-130H aerial refuelling tankers in service with the 20 Squadron based in Subang.

The program to acquire new replacements for the C-130H Hercules is expected to be forwarded by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) for funding under the 14th Malaysia Plan between 2040 and 2045.

This means the RMAF will continue to pursue ways to keep the current fleet relevant for another 15-20 years.

The RMAF also has 4 newer and larger Airbus A400M strategic transport aircraft, which also doubles as aerial refuelling tankers.

The A400M, acquired in 2015, complement the C-130H fleet in providing transport and logistics support to the RMAF and the entire Malaysian Armed Forces.

Also supporting the RMAF's C-130 fleet are the smaller Airbus-PTDI CN-235M tactical transport aircraft.