21st Century Security
Australia News Releases
CANBERRA, 18 Dec. 2025 – Lockheed Martin has completed the Block 8.1.1 upgrade for the Royal Australian Air Force's (RAAF) C-130J-30 Super Hercules fleet, enhancing the aircraft's capabilities and solidifying the RAAF's position as a global leader in C-130 operations.
The RAAF's C-130 fleet has been instrumental in supporting a range of military and humanitarian operations, including disaster relief and peacekeeping missions. With the completion of the Block 8.1.1 upgrade, the RAAF's current fleet of 12 C-130J-30s will continue to play a critical role in supporting Australia's national security interests and contributing to regional stability.
The Block 8.1.1 upgrade contains software and hardware expansions that provide the RAAF with numerous improvements including improved communications, enhanced navigation and civil data link and GPS.
"The completion of the Block 8.1.1 upgrade for the RAAF's C-130J fleet is a significant milestone for Lockheed Martin and our partners in Australia," said Trish Pagan, Vice President and General Manager, Air Mobility and Maritime Missions, Lockheed Martin. "This upgrade ensures the RAAF's C-130J fleet remains at the forefront of tactical airlift capabilities, providing critical support for Australia's military operations and humanitarian missions well into the future."
“Delivering 11 of 12 Block 8.1.1 upgrades here in Australia is a clear demonstration of the deep and highly sophisticated C-130J sustainment capability we have established with our industry partners locally,” said Nicole Davidson, C-130J program manager, Lockheed Martin Australia. “This achievement reflects the strength of our industry partnerships and showcases the value of a sovereign industrial base that can deliver advanced capability upgrades for the Royal Australian Air Force’s C-130J fleet.”
As a member of the C-130J Super Hercules Joint User Group (JUG), Australia plays a key role in shaping and developing the Super Hercules Block Upgrade Program. The JUG drives the ongoing Block Upgrade program and ensures that the C-130J remains a highly capable and reliable tactical airlifter. The Block 8.1 software has been adopted by a growing number of operators, including the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, Norway, France, Germany and New Zealand.
The RAAF's commitment to the C-130J program extends beyond operations, with Australia-based suppliers contributing to the aircraft's production and sustainment. In 2023, Australia formally acquired 20 new C-130J Hercules aircraft to replace and expand its existing fleet, with deliveries expected to begin in late 2027.
The Super Hercules is the worldwide choice in tactical airlift, serving 23 nations. To date, more than 560 C-130Js have been delivered and certified by over 20 airworthiness authorities, with the Super Hercules global fleet surpassing 3 million flight hours. Learn more about the C-130 at https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/c130/c130-capabilities.html.
About Lockheed Martin Australia
Headquartered in Canberra, Lockheed Martin Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The company employs more than 1,800 people in Australia working on a wide range of major programs spanning the aerospace, defence and civil sectors.
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Media Contacts:
Joanne Hon, +61 458 175 404; joanne.hon@lmco.com
Chris Karns, +1 470-914-8808; Christopher.p.karns@lmco.com