The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has received a C-130H aerial refuelling tanker from Boeing after the aircraft completed modification and acceptance testing at the KHI facility in Gifu.

The JASDF will begin operational testing of the C-130H, which provides aerial refuelling for the UH-60J search and rescue helicopter.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries has upgraded the C-130H – which primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission and is the prime transport for dropping troops and equipment into hostile areas – to include air-to-air refuelling pods and design modifications to support the structure, wiring and fuel system.