C-130J Super Hercules enters service in Latin America

Lockheed Martin has welcomed Mexico to the global C-130J Super Hercules community following an announcement from the Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana; FAM) that it would acquire its first C-130J-30 tactical airlifter. The order makes Mexico the first operator of the C-130J in Latin America and marks the first of two international C-130J contracts concluded by Lockheed Martin in 2025.

Mexico joins 24 other nations operating the C-130J, with more than 560 aircraft flying worldwide. A long-time Hercules user, the FAM is recapitalizing its legacy fleet with the stretched C-130J-30 variant, which adds 15ft of cargo space and delivers greater range, power, and fuel efficiency. The aircraft is expected to significantly enhance Mexico’s tactical airlift capability while allowing the Air Force to leverage more than five decades of C-130 operational, maintenance, and logistics experience.

Trish Pagan, Vice President of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility and Maritime Missions, commented, “With their new C-130J-30, the Fuerza Aérea Mexicana’s tactical airlift capability will deliver unmatched performance, exceptional reliability, and the versatility to perform all 20 missions the C-130J is certified to execute across Mexico, throughout Latin America, and worldwide.

“This historic decision by Mexico reflects the continued trust placed in the C-130J Super Hercules by operators around the world,” said Pagan.

For more than 50 years, the C-130 Hercules has played a central role in Mexico’s response to natural disasters, military operations, and other critical missions. The latest acquisition underscores Mexico’s ongoing commitment to regional security, disaster response, and cooperation, amid growing demand across Latin America for proven, multi-role airlift platforms.