September 2019 marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the C-130J Hercules into RAAF service. The C-130J allocated to No 37 Squadron based at RAAF Richmond west of Sydney initially provided the Australian Defence Force with a strategic airlift capability but the fleet soon evolved to become its primary medium tactical airlifter, supporting numerous operations nationally and abroad. The strategic airlift capability has been taken over in recent years by the C-17A Globemaster III, and these two impressive airlifters provide the bulk of airlift capability for the ADF, supplemented by the KC-30A Multirole Tactical Transport aircraft. After 20 years the C-130J is more capable than ever and is undergoing a series of upgrades to improve connectivity, fuel payload and surveillance capabilities, taking what has become the workhorse of the RAAF airlift fleet to even higher levels of capability.

(Defence Photo)