The Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) C-130 Hercules detachment has returned to Sydney after completing operations in the Middle East.

The 37 members of the detachment have provided support to operations Slipper and Kruger during their deployment.

The detachment from RAAF Base Richmond completed 133 missions involving 349 sorties, lifting 6,924 passengers and 1,170t of cargo.

The detachment also provided support to VIP visits and several short-notice missions including the movement of more than 400 Afghan National Army soldiers.

The next detachment has started flight operations in the Middle East.