Indonesia’s airlift modernisation has taken another step forward with the arrival of the fifth and final Lockheed Martin C-130J tactical transport from a 2021 commitment.
The aircraft arrived at Jakarta’s Halim airport on 16 May, according to the country’s defence ministry.
The ferry flight saw the aircraft transit from Lockheed’s production site in Marietta, Georgia via San Diego, Honolulu, the Marshall Islands, and Guam.
Jakarta ordered the five aircraft in September 2021 – although at the time, the exact number was not formally disclosed.
“By obtaining an aircraft with modern engines, technology and avionics systems, it is a big step for the Indonesian air force to adapt the air transport operations doctrine,” said air force chief of staff Air Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo at the time of the order.
The five new aircraft offer a significant update to Indonesia’s C-130 capability.
Cirium fleets data shows that in addition to the five new C-130Js, Jakarta operates 24 legacy C-130s with ages ranging from 43.6 to 63.5 years.
Since 1964, Indonesia has also written off nine legacy C-130s, including five since 2001. There have also been four C-130 retirements.
In addition to the five C-130Js, Jakarta is poised to obtain a pair of Airbus Defence & Space A400M transports in 2026.
The country also appears committed to obtaining the Airbus A330 multi-role tanker transport.
