Air Force Special Operations Command receives final Lockheed Martin MC-130J aircraft

By Defence Industry Europe

The Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) has marked the delivery of its final MC-130J Commando II aircraft during a fly-away ceremony on 13 December 2024 in Marietta, Georgia. This milestone concludes Lockheed Martin’s production of the MC-130J fleet, a critical modernisation programme for AFSOC.

 

Maj. Gen. Justin Hoffman, Deputy Commander of AFSOC, praised Lockheed Martin’s contributions, stating, “For decades, Lockheed Martin has consistently delivered critical capabilities for Air Commandos in a timely and effective manner.” He added that AFSOC remains focused on adapting its platforms to address future operational needs amid strategic competition.

 

 

The first MC-130J was delivered in September 2011 to Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico, with its first deployment to Afghanistan occurring in March 2013. During this deployment, it supported over 400 missions, clocked more than 2,000 flight hours, and transported approximately 12,000 passengers and 9.4 million pounds of cargo.

Designed as a modernisation solution for the ageing AC and MC C-130 fleets, the MC-130J provides advanced avionics, navigation, and survivability features. It enhances Special Operations mobility and strike capabilities, ensuring readiness for complex missions.

 

 

Col. T. Justin Bronder, Special Operations Command PEO Fixed Wing, noted the significance of this milestone, saying, “This delivery marks both the end of this effort and the beginning of a new era; we will continue to relentlessly evolve AFSOC’s C-130s to ensure these aircraft possess capabilities to advance our future force.”

Known as the Commando II, the MC-130J specialises in infiltration, exfiltration, resupply of special operations forces by airland or airdrop, and air refuelling missions. The final aircraft will join the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, where it will train the next generation of AFSOC Air Commandos.

 

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