New Zealand selects Lockheed C-130J as preferred military transport replacement

FILE PHOTO: A U.S. Air Force (USAF) Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules aircraft takes part in a flying display during the 49th Paris Air Show at the Le Bourget airport near Paris June 24, 2011. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - New Zealand on Tuesday said it had selected Lockheed Martin Corp's C-130J Super Hercules as the preferred replacement for five ageing C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft, a choice in line with its closest allies.

The cabinet will seek detailed costing information through the U.S. foreign military sale process, New Zealand Defence Minister Ron Mark said, adding the government had previously estimated the cost at more than NZ$1 billion (520.52 million pounds).