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The Australian Defence Force has marked a major milestone at RAAF Base Richmond, with the completion of a significant upgrade program for Australia’s C-130J Hercules fleet.
Final Operational Capability has now been declared for the C-130J Block Upgrade Program, bringing all 12 aircraft operated by No. 37 Squadron at Richmond up to the latest Block 8.1 configuration.
Delivered under Project AIR 5440, the upgrade enhances aircraft capability, reliability and mission readiness through improvements to safety-critical software and hardware systems. The modernisation ensures the Hercules fleet remains operationally effective for years to come.
The aircraft have also received major upgrades to their communications and navigation systems, including new datalink technology, integrated satellite voice communications, upgraded high-frequency radios and improved instrument approach capabilities.
While the first aircraft was upgraded in the United States by Lockheed Martin with support from the United States Air Force, the remaining 11 aircraft were modified locally at RAAF Base Richmond by Airbus Australia Pacific, reinforcing the base’s long-standing role in Australia’s air mobility capability.
In addition, the C-130J Full Flight Simulator at Richmond has been upgraded, with system modifications completed by CAE Australia, ensuring aircrew training keeps pace with the aircraft’s new systems.
First introduced into Australian service in 1999, the C-130J Hercules plays a vital role in military operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The aircraft can carry around 120 passengers or up to 20 tonnes of cargo, providing a medium air mobility capability between the smaller C-27J Spartan and the larger C-17A Globemaster III.
The completion of the Block 8.1 upgrades will allow the fleet to continue operating at the forefront of capability until Australia’s expanded replacement fleet of 20 new C-130J Hercules aircraft begins arriving later this decade.
For the Hawkesbury region, the milestone reinforces RAAF Base Richmond’s ongoing importance to national defence, local employment and emergency response operations across Australia and the Indo-Pacific.
