Japan Buys Six Used KC-130R Aircraft From U.S Navy

The U.S Navy has sold six retired Marine Corps KC-130R aircraft to the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force as part of a foreign military sale (FMS).

“This FMS sale supports a global strategic initiative for preserving the security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region,” said Capt. Michelle Guidry, program manager, Tactical Airlift, Adversary and Support Aircraft program (PMA-207), which manages Navy and Marine Corps C-130s. “We look forward to a continued partnership with the JMSDF through the sustainment of their KC-130Rs.” 

The JMSDF will receive KC-130Rs capable of roll-on, roll-off cargo compartment configurations to support the movement of troops, goods and services; humanitarian efforts; transport of senior leaders; and medical evacuation. 

“Depending on the condition of the aircraft when recovered from AMARG, maintainers are performing varying levels of structural modifications before completing JMSDF specified modifications,” said Ken Moritz, FMS deputy program manager, PMA-207. “The total regeneration, overhaul and upgrade of each aircraft is expected to take approximately 10-12 months.” 

Structural modifications being performed on all six aircraft include the replacement of landing gear supports, cargo door supports, center wing rainbow fittings and corrosion repair. In addition to structural modifications, the Japanese will receive thirty overhauled T56-A-16 engines and digital cockpit upgrades to include a digital GPS, according to an official statement.

“The Japanese Navy is assuming responsibility for the non-recurring engineering efforts required to incorporate a new digital GPS onto JMSDF aircraft,” Moritz said. “This effort creates cost avoidance for the U.S Navy/Marine Corps if the information gathered is utilized as an interim cockpit solution for current fleet GPS systems faced with obsolescence issues.”