DefenseC-130J Hercules beats Embraer C-390 in Mexican Air Force competition
Mexico has selected the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules to reinforce the transport fleet of the Fuerza Aérea Mexicana, choosing the aircraft over alternatives such as the Embraer C-390 Millennium.
The decision makes Mexico the first country in Latin America to operate the C-130J variant. The acquisition was confirmed at the end of 2025, according to Lockheed Martin, although the number of aircraft involved has not been disclosed.
Mexico has operated the Hercules family for decades and currently flies three C-130K/L-100 aircraft. The choice of the C-130J-30, the stretched version of the aircraft, allows the air force to build on existing infrastructure, training and maintenance systems already in place.
The selection comes after the C-130J had been losing ground in several international competitions to the C-390, a jet-powered transport aircraft with higher payload capacity and a more modern design. The Mexican decision therefore marks a reversal of that recent trend.
Embraer had been seen as a strong contender, particularly after signing a contract with the Mexican government for 20 E2 commercial jets for state-owned Mexicana de Aviación, which raised expectations of a broader industrial and defense relationship.
Lockheed Martin said the C-130J was chosen based on operational continuity and proven service. More than 560 C-130J aircraft are currently in operation worldwide with 24 countries. The company says a second new international customer also signed an agreement during the same period, but has not yet been disclosed.
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