Overview
- Lockheed Martin announced the sale on January 21, confirming Mexico as the first Latin American operator of the C-130J-30.
- The order covers one aircraft after initial plans for two in SEDENA’s 2023 program, with prior two-aircraft costs estimated around $414 million and final pricing undisclosed.
- The acquisition aims to replace aging Hercules transports slated for retirement in 2027–2028 and to strengthen disaster relief, logistics, and military mobility.
- The stretched J-30 adds about 4.5 meters of cargo space, uses AE2100D3 engines with six-blade Dowty propellers, and flies with a reduced crew thanks to a modern glass cockpit.
- The aircraft is certified for roughly 20 mission types, including airdrop, search and rescue, firefighting, medevac, ISR, and special operations.