Norway upgrades first C-130J to latest newbuild standard

A file photo of an RNoAF C-130J-30. Norway has four such aircraft, which it is now retrofitting to the latest Block 8.1 standard for greater global reach, enhanced navigation, and additional defensive capabilities. (Lockheed Martin)

Norway has upgraded the first of its Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules transport aircraft to the latest standard now rolling off the production line.

The manufacturer announced on 21 February that the first of four ‘stretched’ C-130J-30 aircraft operated by the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) has been retrofitted with the latest Block 8.1 enhancements and delivered back to the service.

“Lockheed Martin is installing the Block 8.1 upgrade kit on these aircraft at its site in Greenville, South Carolina. The [first] aircraft was recently ferried from Greenville by an RNoAF crew [back] to Norway,” the company said.