Indonesia proceeds with plans to buy new C-130J-30 transport aircraft

A C-130J-30 transport aircraft in service with the US Air Force. Lockheed Martin confirmed to Janes on 10 September that the Indonesian Air Force has ordered at least five of these platforms. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) has confirmed plans to buy additional Lockheed Martin C-130-series tactical transport aircraft.

In a statement released on 7 September during a visit to Lockheed Martin’s C-130J production site in Marietta, US state of Georgia, TNI-AU Chief of Staff Air Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo said that the additional C-130Js will enhance Indonesia’s airlift capabilities, adding that the platform will continue to be the backbone of TNI-AU operations, including for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

During his visit to the United States, the air marshal was photographed next to a C-130 cockpit section bearing the Indonesian flag: an indication that production of at least one aircraft is ongoing.

This was later confirmed by Lockheed Martin, which lists Indonesia among its customers for the stretched version of the aircraft: the C-130J-30. A company spokesperson told Janes on 10 September that Jakarta has thus far placed orders for five C-130J-30s.

“As a long-time C-130B and E model operator, the [TNI-AU] has flown these Hercules aircraft in support of critical national and regional peacekeeping, military, humanitarian, and natural disaster relief missions,” said the spokesperson.

The TNI-AU crews will “expand Indonesia’s tactical airlift capabilities with its five new C-130J-30 airlifters that offer more space, speed, range, power and performance to support the [TNI-AU’s] wide range of mission requirements for many years to come”, added the spokesperson.