New Zealand’s Ministry of Defence expects to initiate operations in 2026 for a full-motion flight simulator designed to train crews of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s new fleet of five Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules aircraft.
The delivery of parts for the simulator is currently underway. The ministry is leading an integrated project team collaborating with the U.S. Air Force, CAE USA and Lockheed Martin to deliver the necessary components. Construction and installation of the simulator will begin at Base Auckland within a dedicated, purpose-built facility.
Foreign Military Sales
The delivery is part of a project valued at approximately $874.4 million to introduce the aircraft to the New Zealand Defence Force under a U.S. Foreign Military Sales agreement.
Explore the dynamics of U.S. foreign military sales transforming the global defense sector from discussions at the Potomac Officers Club’s 2025 GovCon International Summit in Virginia on Oct. 16. Reserve your slot today.
Safe and Secure Training
Sarah Minson, the ministry’s deputy secretary of capability delivery, described the Hercules flight simulator as a “critical tool” for providing a safe and secure training environment for pilots, aircrew and ground crews. “Training tools like this reduce maintenance and flight time on actual aircraft, saving money and time and reducing risk,” she said.
Air Component Commander Air Cmdre. Andy Scott said that the simulator modules will encompass training for pilots, loadmaster systems, engine operations, as well as procedural and mission systems.
Initial U.S. test flights on New Zealand’s first C-130J Super Hercules were completed in April 2024, with Lockheed subsequently delivering the first aircraft to Auckland after a four-month period.