Indonesia Takes Delivery of First C-130J Super Hercules
Indonesia’s first C-130J was delivered on 21 February, marking a significant milestone in the country’s military aviation capabilities. The aircraft was handed over to the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) during a ceremony held at Lockheed Martin’s facility in Marietta, Georgia.
The C-130J is the latest variant of the legendary C-130 Hercules family, which has proved itself across the globe since entering service in 1956. Known for its versatility, ruggedness, and ability to operate in austere environments, the C-130J improves on all of these thanks in part to improved engines and modern avionics.
Indonesia has a long history with the C-130, first acquiring the aircraft in 1960, just 4 years after being delivered to the USAF. The political nature of this deal is quite interesting. In 1958, the CIA, against the wishes of the State Department, was supporting rebels attempting to overthrow the Indonesian government. While conducting airstrikes for the CIA, Allen Pope was shot down and captured while carrying identification. Indonesia recognized that he could be used as a political bargaining tool. He was tried for the murder of Indonesian civilians and sentenced to death but as expected the US offered a great deal in exchange for him. The Indonesian newspaper Kompas alleges that 10 C-130Bs were delivered to the TNI AU in exchange for his release. Indonesia specifically requested the aircraft for its ability to deliver cargo to its widely dispersed and poorly developed islands. US relations with Indonesia improved though they remained tumultuous.
The political history of the Indonesian C-130 fleet doesn’t end there. In 1999, the unwillingness of the Indonesian Army to prevent a humanitarian crisis from developing in East Timor led to an arms embargo being placed on Indonesia. No spare parts for the C-130 fleet would be delivered between 1999 and 2005 leaving the fleet, whose age ranged from 20-40 years, to decay. A devastating tsunami in 2004 led to the embargo being partially lifted given the C-130’s usefulness in disaster relief.
With the embargo passed the TNI AU quickly moved to revitalize its fleet. In 2012 Australia donated 4 used C-130Hs to replace the ancient B models. This was followed by the purchase of 5 more retired Australian H models in 2013. However, the IDAF suffered two major crashes losing a C-130 in 2015 and 2016 with 152 fatalities combined. Refurbished aircraft alone wouldn’t suffice, leading to the signing for 5 C-130J Super Hercules in 2019. However, with a fleet of 23 old B and H models, more will be needed. Indonesia is also procuring two Airbus A400Ms which can serve both as tankers and transports. Delivery is expected around 2026 leaving room for further C-130J purchases.