The Fuerza Aérea Mexicana (FAM) has announced the acquisition of a second Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifter, expanding Mexico’s fleet of the latest generation of the C-130 Hercules aircraft. Mexico announced its first C-130J-30 acquisition in January 2026, becoming the first country in Latin America to join the global Super Hercules fleet. The second aircraft will expand the Mexican Air Force’s airlift capacity and build on its long-standing operational experience with the Hercules family.
The C-130J-30 is the stretched version of the C-130J and provides an additional 15 feet of cargo space. The aircraft is designed for tactical airlift missions and offers increased range, payload capacity and fuel efficiency compared with earlier Hercules variants. The aircraft can support a range of missions, including transport, humanitarian assistance and other tactical airlift requirements. Mexico has operated Hercules aircraft for more than five decades in disaster response, military operations and other missions.
The expanded fleet is also expected to increase Mexico’s ability to respond to emergencies in the region. Following the twin earthquakes in Venezuela, Mexico used its first C-130J-30 to transport emergency supplies, medical aid and personnel to the affected area.
Trish Pagan, Vice President, Air Mobility & Maritime Missions, Lockheed Martin, said Mexico’s continued investment reflected its experience with the C-130 platform. “The C-130J is the backbone of global airlift, and Mexico’s continued investment underscores confidence in a platform that delivers decades of operational readiness, unmatched versatility and seamless interoperability with U.S. and allied forces,” she said.
The C-130J Super Hercules is the latest generation of the C-130 Hercules family and incorporates updated avionics, increased range and speed and enhanced survivability features. The aircraft is certified for 20 mission sets, including airdrop, search and rescue, firefighting, medical evacuation, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and special operations.
Lockheed Martin said the global C-130J fleet has more than 570 aircraft and continues to support air mobility missions for operators worldwide. For Mexico, the second aircraft adds capacity to a fleet that has been used for natural disaster response, military transport and other critical operations. The acquisition also extends the country’s existing relationship with Lockheed Martin and its experience with the Hercules platform.
Lockheed Martin is a global defence technology company that develops aircraft, missile systems, space systems, air and missile defence systems, and other defence and security technologies. The company works with governments and defence organisations worldwide.
The C-130J programme provides operators with a common aircraft platform and established support network across a global fleet. Mexico’s acquisition of a second aircraft will expand the FAM’s tactical airlift capability and its capacity to support domestic and regional missions.
