Mexican Air Force will be first operator of C-130J in Latin America
The Mexican Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Mexicana – FAM) recently announced that it is to acquire its first Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft, making Mexico the first country in Latin America to operate the C-130J, Lockheed Martin announced on 21 January 2026.
Lockheed Martin disclosed in a press release that the FAM’s acquisition of the Super Hercules was one of two international C-130J contract awards to be closed out in late 2025 (the second customer has yet to be disclosed).
The Mexican Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) had announced it would acquire a single C-130J-30 in September 2025, with reporting at the time suggesting the aircraft would be delivered in November 2028.
The C-130J-30 Super Hercules is the stretched version of the C-130J that adds 15 ft (4.57 m) of cargo space.
“This historic decision by Mexico reflects the continued trust placed in the C-130J Super Hercules by operators around the world,” Trish Pagan, vice president of Lockheed Martin Air Mobility & Maritime Missions, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “With their new C-130J-30, the Fuerza Aérea Mexicana’s tactical airlift capability will deliver unmatched performance, exceptional reliability and the versatility to perform all 20 missions the C-130J is certified to execute across Mexico, throughout Latin America and worldwide. The C-130J-30 is truly built to deliver and built to last.”
The FAM has long been a Hercules operator, having received its first C-130A in 1987. The air force currently operates two former Royal Air Force C-130K-30s and one L-100-30 civilian version of the type. These are also stretched versions of the Hercules.
A CGI rendering of a C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft in Mexican Air Force livery. [Lockheed Martin]
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The Mexican Air Force announced its acquisition of a C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft, making Mexico the first Latin American country to operate this model. The announcement was made on 21 January 2026, with the aircraft expected to be delivered in November 2028. This acquisition enhances the FAM's tactical airlift capabilities, reflecting ongoing trust in the C-130J by global operators.
- Mexican Air Force to acquire its first C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft.
- Mexico will be the first country in Latin America to operate the C-130J.
- Acquisition announced on 21 January 2026, with delivery expected in November 2028.
- The C-130J-30 is a stretched version of the C-130J, providing additional cargo space.
- The Mexican Air Force has been a long-time operator of Hercules aircraft since 1987.