The acquisition of two C-130J aircraft will have logistical support for one year and training for flight crews, cargo managers, ground personnel, maintenance technicians and a familiarization course for management personnel.
The Mexican Air Force (FAM) only had two operational aircraft to conduct heavy transport operations in 2023. Although in 2024 it is expected that three C-27J aircraft will be integrated that come out of their PDM maintenance, this will be insufficient to cover the missions assigned to the 302nd Air Squadron.
It should be recalled that the 302nd Air Squadron provides transport support to both the Ministry of National Defense, the Mexican Navy and the civilian population in case of public needs and also performs services such as national logistics transport; international logistics transport; support for the DN-III plan; and road training. This squadron operates two C-130Mk-3 aircraft; a C-130 L382G and four Leonardo (Alenia) C-27J Spartan aircraft acquired in 2011. It is estimated that by 2029 the squadron will not have any operational aircraft of the C-130 type, because the two C-130 MK-3 aircraft would be 60 years old by 2028, and the L-382G – the most recent model – will be 45 years old in 2025 and its operability will be minimal in 2027.