C-130J Super Hercules (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
New Delhi: The Fuerza Aérea Mexicana (FAM) has announced the acquisition of its first Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifter, making Mexico the first country in Latin America to operate the C-130J.
The procurement marks the first of two international C-130J contract awards finalized in 2025, with the second new international customer yet to be disclosed.
By selecting the C-130J-30 Super Hercules -- the most advanced variant of the iconic airlifter -- Mexico joins 24 nations operating a global fleet of more than 560 C-130Js worldwide.
A longtime Hercules operator, the FAM is recapitalizing its legacy fleet with the modern C-130J-30, building on more than five decades of proven C-130 operational performance and established interoperability with partner nations.
The C-130J-30, the stretched version of the aircraft, adds 15 feet of cargo space and ushers in a new era of tactical airlift capability for Mexico and the wider Latin American region.
Offering increased power, range, fuel efficiency, and payload capacity, the C-130J-30 provides the FAM with reliable, mission-ready capabilities while leveraging Mexico’s extensive experience in C-130 flight operations, maintenance, and logistics.
Mexico’s existing infrastructure and institutional knowledge of the Hercules platform will enable a seamless transition, reducing integration time and ensuring sustained fleet readiness. Continued access to Lockheed Martin’s global enterprise network will further accelerate modernization efforts.
“This historic decision by Mexico reflects the continued trust placed in the C-130J Super Hercules by operators around the world,” said Trish Pagan, Vice President of Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin.
“With the C-130J-30, the Fuerza Aérea Mexicana gains unmatched performance, exceptional reliability, and the versatility to execute all 20 missions for which the aircraft is certified, across Mexico, throughout Latin America, and worldwide. The C-130J-30 is built to deliver and built to last.”
For more than 50 years, the C-130 Hercules has played a critical role in Mexico’s response to natural disasters, military operations, and other essential missions. The aircraft remains a powerful symbol of Mexico’s commitment to regional security and cooperation, underscoring the enduring partnership between Lockheed Martin and the FAM.
Mexico’s selection comes amid renewed interest in multi-role airlift capabilities across Latin America. The C-130J Super Hercules offers the FAM a combination unmatched by any other tactical airlifter: certified multi-mission versatility, proven operational performance, global presence, and trusted reliability.
