The Fuerza Aérea Mexicana (FAM) has officially announced the acquisition of its first Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifter, marking a major milestone for both Mexico and the wider Latin American aviation sector. With this move, Mexico becomes the first country in Latin America to operate the latest-generation C-130J, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to modern, reliable, and multi-role airlift capabilities.
The purchase forms part of the final international C-130J contract awards concluded in 2025. Mexico’s order is the first of two international deals closed during this period, with Lockheed Martin yet to disclose the second new customer. By selecting the C-130J-30 Super Hercules — the most advanced version of the iconic aircraft — Mexico joins a growing global community of operators that now includes 24 nations and a worldwide fleet of more than 560 C-130J aircraft in service.
As a longtime Hercules operator, the FAM’s decision reflects a strategic recapitalization of its legacy C-130 fleet. The move is grounded in more than five decades of proven operational performance of the Hercules platform, as well as established interoperability with allied nations. Transitioning to the C-130J-30 allows Mexico to modernize its airlift capabilities while continuing to leverage decades of experience in C-130 operations, maintenance, and logistics.
The C-130J-30 is the stretched variant of the C-130J, featuring an additional 15 feet of cargo space compared to the standard model. This increased capacity, combined with improved power, extended range, greater fuel efficiency, and advanced avionics, significantly enhances Mexico’s tactical airlift capability. The aircraft is designed to support a wide range of missions, ensuring the FAM can respond effectively to both military and humanitarian requirements across Mexico, Latin America, and beyond.
By building on existing C-130 infrastructure and expertise, the FAM can achieve a smoother and faster transition to the new aircraft. This approach not only reduces the time and cost associated with introducing a new platform but also ensures sustained fleet readiness. Continued access to Lockheed Martin’s global support and logistics network further accelerates modernization while maintaining high operational availability.
Lockheed Martin has emphasized that Mexico’s selection of the C-130J-30 underscores the continued global confidence in the Super Hercules platform. According to the company, the aircraft offers unmatched performance, exceptional reliability, and the versatility to perform all 20 mission profiles for which the C-130J is certified. These missions range from tactical airlift and airdrop operations to search and rescue, medical evacuation, firefighting, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and special operations support.
For more than 50 years, the C-130 Hercules has been central to Mexico’s response to natural disasters, security operations, and other critical national missions. Its continued evolution within the FAM highlights the enduring partnership between Mexico and Lockheed Martin, as well as the aircraft’s symbolic role in supporting regional security, cooperation, and humanitarian assistance.
Mexico’s decision comes at a time of renewed interest in multi-role airlift platforms across Latin America, where nations are seeking versatile aircraft capable of addressing both defense and civil support missions. With its proven performance, global footprint, and unmatched mission flexibility, the C-130J Super Hercules continues to stand out as the backbone of tactical air mobility worldwide—and now, as the newest pillar of Mexico’s modernized air force.