Australia's ageing fleet of American-made military cargo aircraft will be replaced and doubled in number under a $10 billion deal approved by the United States.
The $10b deal comes amid an ongoing review into Defence spendingThe US State Department has approved the "possible foreign military sale" of 24 C-130J-30 planes and related equipment, which would replace the RAAF's existing fleet of 12 Hercules aircraft.
"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States," the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency confirmed.The RAAF took delivery of its first iconic Lockheed Martin-made C-130 Hercules back in 1958, with Australia's current fleet entering service more than 20 years ago.
"It is vital to the US national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability."
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