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The Lockheed C-130 Hercules, in service since 1956, has seen production of 2,271 legacy models and over 540 C-130J Super Hercules delivered to 26 operators in 22 countries by 2024. Australia plans to purchase 20 new C-130Js by 2027.

The C-130J has enhanced payload and range, now facing competition from Embraer's C-390 Millennium and Airbus's A400M. Lockheed Martin is reducing C-130J production from 30 to 24 units annually as the U.S.

Air Force's orders decline. The C-130 family remains the longest continuously produced military aircraft, with production expected to continue into the 2030s.