4th C-130J Super Hercules Arrives in Indonesia, Last Aircraft Expected in April

The fourth Indonesian Air Force C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft (tail number A-1344) landed at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Monday, with the fifth and final one expected to arrive in April.

The military transport aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin in the United States, was greeted by Deputy Chief of Staff of the Air Force (Wakasau) Air Marshal TNI Andyawan Martono Putra.

Upon landing, the C-130J-30 Super Hercules engaged in the traditional water salute, symbolizing a warm welcome to the Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base. Following the tradition, Wakasau, accompanied by officials, presented a batik sash and plaques to the pilot and crew.

This week, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto is expected to hand over the fourth C-130J-30 aircraft to Air Force Chief of Staff (Kasau) Marshal TNI Fadjar Prasetyo.

The ferry flight of C-130J-30 Super Hercules A-1344 covered a route from Marietta to San Diego, Honolulu, Marshall Island, Guam, and finally, Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base. The flight, led by Air Squadron 31 Commander Lieutenant Colonel Pnb Alfonsus Fatma Astara Duta, included Major Pnb Chandra Danang Jaya and Tech Captain Barry Yoga Patria. Lockheed Martin experts, namely Richard Anthony, John Justin, Rolland Mark, and Robert John, also participated in the journey.

Ordered by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense to reinforce the Indonesian Air Force, the C-130J-30 Super Hercules is the fourth of five units. The three preceding aircraft arrived in March, June, and August 2023, strengthening Air Squadron 31 Wing I at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base.

Designed for diverse air transport missions, including military operations during war and military operations other than war, the C-130J-30 is equipped with glass cockpit technology and a Rolls Royce AR2100D3 Turboprop engine with a top speed of 410 MPH or 356 KTAS. The selection of the C-130J-30 by the Ministry of Defense reflects its effectiveness for Indonesia, an archipelagic country with a vast area and numerous short runways.

The fifth aircraft (A-1342) is scheduled to arrive in April 2024.