Mexico First in Latin America with C-130J Super Hercules

Mexico City — Mexico has become the first country in Latin America to operate C-130J aircraft. Through a statement, Lockheed Martin announced that the Mexican Air Force (FAM) has acquired a first C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft.

As previously reported by Infodefensa, the acquisition of the Super Hercules by the FAM was the first of two international C-130J awards closed in 2025. By choosing the C-130J-30—the most advanced Hercules ever built—Mexico joins 24 other nations and a global fleet of more than 560 operational C-130Js.

The FAM, a long-time Hercules operator, is recapitalizing its inherited fleet with the modern C-130J-30 Super Hercules, a decision based on five decades of proven operational performance of the C-130 and existing interoperability between nations.

Mexican crews will operate the C-130J-30 Super Hercules, the stretched version of the C-130J that adds 4.5 meters of cargo space; this marks a new era in tactical airlift capability for Mexico and Latin America. With greater power, range, fuel efficiency, and space, the C-130J-30 will provide the FAM with proven and recognized capabilities, ready to respond to any tactical mission requirement, leveraging Mexico’s decades of experience in C-130 flight, maintenance, and logistics.

Leveraging knowledge of the C-130 aircraft and existing infrastructure allows Mexico a seamless transition, saving significant time, ensuring sustained fleet readiness, and faster modernization through continued access to Lockheed Martin’s established global enterprise network.

According to Trish Pagan, Vice President of Air Mobility and Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin, Mexico’s decision reaffirms the confidence of operators worldwide in the C-130J Super Hercules. “With the new C-130J-30, the tactical airlift capability of the Mexican Air Force will offer unmatched performance, exceptional reliability, and the versatility needed to perform the 20 missions for which the C-130J is certified in Mexico, Latin America, and the world. The C-130J-30 is truly designed to perform and to last,” she stated.

For more than 50 years, the C-130 has played a vital role in Mexico in natural disasters, military operations, and other critical missions. This aircraft is a powerful symbol of Mexico’s commitment to security and regional cooperation, and its continued operation is testimony to the strong collaboration between Lockheed Martin and the FAM.

Mexico’s selection comes amid renewed interest in multifunctional airlift capabilities in Latin America. According to the company, the new C-130J Super Hercules will offer the Mexican Air Force what no other tactical transport aircraft can offer: certified multi-mission versatility, proven operational performance, a true global presence, recognized capabilities, and proven reliability.