Lockheed Martin Welcomes Mexico to the C-130J Super Hercules Fleet

Mexico becomes first country in Latin America to operate C-130Js

MARIETTA, Ga., Jan. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Fuerza Aérea Mexicana (FAM) recently announced the acquisition of their first Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifter, making Mexico the first country in Latin America to operate the C-130J.

The FAM's acquisition of the Super Hercules was the first of two international C-130J contract awards to close out in 2025, with the second new international customer yet to be disclosed. In choosing the C-130J-30 Super Hercules, the most advanced Hercules ever built, Mexico joins 24 other nations and a global fleet of more than 560 C-130Js operating today.

A longtime Hercules operator, the FAM is recapitalizing its legacy fleet with the modern C-130J-30 Super Hercules — a decision rooted in five decades of proven C-130 operational performance and existing interoperability between nations. 

FAM crews will operate the C-130J-30 Super Hercules — the stretch version of the C-130J that adds 15 feet of cargo space ― marking a new modern era of tactical airlift capability for Mexico and Latin America. With increased power, range, fuel efficiency and space, the C-130J-30 provides the FAM with proven and known capabilities ready to support any tactical mission requirements while leveraging Mexico's decades of C-130 flying, maintenance and logistics experience.

Leveraging their knowledge of the C-130 aircraft and existing infrastructure enables a seamless transition for Mexico, saving significant time, while ensuring sustained fleet readiness and faster modernization through continued access to Lockheed Martin's established global enterprise-wide network.

"This historic decision by Mexico reflects the continued trust placed in the C-130J Super Hercules by operators around the world," said Trish Pagan, vice president of Lockheed Martin's Air Mobility & Maritime Missions. "With their new C-130J-30, the Fuerza Aérea Mexicana's tactical airlift capability will deliver unmatched performance, exceptional reliability, and the versatility to perform all 20 missions the C-130J is certified to execute across Mexico, throughout Latin America, and worldwide. The C-130J-30 is truly built to deliver and built to last."

For more than 50 years, the C-130 Hercules has played a vital role in Mexico's response to natural disasters, military operations and other critical missions. The C-130 is a powerful symbol of Mexico's commitment to regional security and cooperation, and its continued operation is a testament to the strong partnership between Lockheed Martin and the FAM.

Mexico's selection comes amid renewed interest in multi-role airlift capabilities across Latin America. The C-130J Super Hercules provides the FAM operators what no other tactical airlifter can: certified multi-mission versatility, proven operational performance, a true global presence, known capabilities and trusted reliability.

About the C-130J Super Hercules
The C-130J Super Hercules is the latest generation of the legendary C-130 Hercules. Built with advanced avionics, increased range and speed, and enhanced survivability, the C-130J is certified across 20 different mission sets — including airdrop, search and rescue, firefighting, medevac, ISR, special operations, among others. It is the only tactical airlifter with a global fleet of more than 560 aircraft and continues to serve as the backbone of air mobility worldwide.

For additional information, visit our website: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/products/c130.html.

About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Aeronautics