The Government of Australia said today it will purchase 20 new Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft, valued at 6.6 billion dollars. The potential sale of the aircraft, components and related services was approved last November by the US State Department. The aircraft will replace and expand the old fleet of a dozen aircraft. Delivery is expected from 2027. 

"From bushfire emergencies and flooding across the country, from delivering crucial supplies during the Covid-19 pandemic to more than two decades in support of peacekeeping operations, this aircraft is and will continue to be a critical asset", said Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles. 

The announcement was made on the occasion of a visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin expected this weekend. The deal between Australia and the United States comes amid the largest joint military exercise underway in the Indo-Pacific, involving more than 30,000 troops from 11 countries. A demonstration of strength and unity at a time when China is increasingly assertive.