WELLINGTON, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government confirmed that five Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft will be purchased to replace the existing fleet, Defense Minister Ron Mark said on Friday.
"Last year, Cabinet selected these aircraft as the preferred option to replace the current Hercules fleet. Procurement of the Super Hercules has been my highest capability priority as Minister of Defense," Mark said in a statement.
Along with the new fleet, the 1.521-billion-NZ-dollar (900 million U.S. dollars) project will deliver a full mission flight simulator and other supporting infrastructure, Mark said.
"Generations of New Zealanders have grown up and grown old with the Hercules, and they know these aircraft are an essential first line of response," he said, adding this decision ensures the Defense Force will have the capability it needs to meet expected future tasks.
This fleet will ensure the Defense Force can continue to support New Zealand's community resilience, national security, contribution to its Pacific neighbors and the wider global community, Mark said.
"The new aircraft will carry a greater payload, is faster and can travel further than the current Hercules aircraft," the minister said.
The first of the new Hercules will be delivered in 2024, with the full fleet operating from 2025, allowing for a phased retirement of the current fleet, he said. Enditem
