The New Zealand MoD has sent a senior project director to ensure the successful completion of the delayed C-130 Hercules life-extension programme.

The MoD sent the representative to the L-3 Communications Texas facility following the news that Safe Air in Blenheim is planning to reduce its workforce by a hundred workers.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

L-3 Communications, the prime contractor for the C-130 upgrade programme, awarded a contract to Safe Air to perform upgrade work on three of the RNZAF’s C-130 aircraft.

The modernisation programme involved the aircraft’s centre wings and other structures, avionics systems, new glass flight decks, navigation and communication suites and night vision systems.

The upgrade programme was delayed for over two years after the contractor found issues surrounding the integration of software for these systems, and was unable to meet the schedule.

MoD deputy secretary for acquisitions Des Ashton said the Royal New Zealand Air Force needed its aircraft in operation and the MoD understood this.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

The four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft, the C-130 Hercules is designed and developed by Lockheed. It is capable of using unprepared runways for take-offs and landings.

Airforce Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Airforce Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.


Excellence in Action
Discover how Virtualitics is transforming mission readiness with explainable AI, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision intelligence across the U.S. Department of Defense through its AI-powered Integrated Readiness Optimization suite, for which it has won the Innovation and Business Expansion awards.

Discover the Impact