Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
Japan eyes C-17 cargo plane as C-130R troubles deepen.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is confronting operational challenges with its fleet of six C-130R transport aircraft, as reported by Nippon Television Network (NTV).
These aircraft, primarily used to supply remote island bases such as Iwo Jima and Minamitorishima, have experienced periods where none were operational due to maintenance issues.
NTV reports that in recent years, there have been multiple instances where all six aircraft were grounded simultaneously for several weeks. Maintaining even one or two operational aircraft has proven difficult, according to government sources.
The C-130Rs were acquired from the U.S. military after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, replacing the aging YS-11 fleet. These aircraft, previously stored in desert conditions, were converted for transport use at a cost of approximately ¥20 billion ($140 million) per unit, totaling around ¥150 billion ($1 billion) for all six.
Japan eyes C-17 cargo plane as C-130R troubles deepen.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is confronting operational challenges with its fleet of six C-130R transport aircraft, as reported by Nippon Television Network (NTV).
These aircraft, primarily used to supply remote island bases such as Iwo Jima and Minamitorishima, have experienced periods where none were operational due to maintenance issues.
NTV reports that in recent years, there have been multiple instances where all six aircraft were grounded simultaneously for several weeks. Maintaining even one or two operational aircraft has proven difficult, according to government sources.
The C-130Rs were acquired from the U.S. military after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, replacing the aging YS-11 fleet. These aircraft, previously stored in desert conditions, were converted for transport use at a cost of approximately ¥20 billion ($140 million) per unit, totaling around ¥150 billion ($1 billion) for all six.
