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For the first time, a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules has been flying using an Australian call sign while operating as part of a Royal Australian Air Force squadron — a milestone that highlights the close partnership between the two countries’ air forces. A Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J-30 Hercules aircraft lands at RAAF Base Richmond to commence Exercise Trojan Compass. Local Caption On 02 Feb 2026, Royal New Zealand Air Force�s (RNZAF) No. 40 Squadron will deploy 1 x C-130J-30 aircraft and a supporting detachment to RAAF Base Richmond to conduct Air Mobility Control Centre facilitated tasking in support of the ADF. Supporting RNZAF personnel will be embedded across the base to enhance interoperability and interchangeability between the two services
The aircraft, along with its crew and support team from Royal New Zealand Air Force No. 40 Squadron, deployed last month to RAAF Base Richmond to take part in Exercise Trojan Compass. During the exercise, the New Zealand personnel were embedded with No. 37 Squadron RAAF, working side-by-side with their Australian counterparts.
What made the deployment unique was that the RNZAF aircraft flew missions under Australian call signs, essentially operating as part of the Royal Australian Air Force fleet for the duration of the exercise. This kind of integration is designed to strengthen cooperation and ensure that both air forces can work seamlessly together during real-world operations.Aviators from the Royal Australian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force drive up to a RNZAF Hercules C-130J-30 aircraft in the No 37 Squadron hangar, during Exercise Trojan Compass 26, at RAAF Base Richmond. *** Local Caption *** On 02 Feb 2026, Royal New Zealand Air Force�s (RNZAF) No. 40 Squadron deployed their 1 x C-130J-30 aircraft and a supporting detachment to RAAF Base Richmond to conduct Air Mobility Control Centre facilitated tasking in support of the ADF. Supporting RNZAF personnel will be
Over the course of the five-week deployment, the New Zealand crew completed six operational flights—two within Australia and four international missions across Australia and the wider Indo-Pacific region. These flights supported tasks for the Australian Defence Force while also testing how effectively the two air forces could operate as a combined team.Royal Australian Air Force aircraft technician, Aircraftman Raiden Semgreen (left) shows Royal New Zealand Air Force avionics technician Sergeant Tom Cowan the data programme side of maintenance during Exercise Trojan Compass 26, at RAAF Base Richmond. *** Local Caption *** On 02 Feb 2026, Royal New Zealand Air Force�s (RNZAF) No. 40 Squadron deployed their 1 x C-130J-30 aircraft and a supporting detachment to RAAF Base Richmond to conduct Air Mobility Control
In total, the crews flew just over 101 hours, transporting 52 tonnes of payload and 45 tonnes of cargo. The missions demonstrated not only the capability of the Lockheed Martin C‑130J Hercules, but also the growing level of trust and coordination between the New Zealand and Australian defence forces.
Exercises like Trojan Compass play an important role in preparing both nations to respond quickly to humanitarian missions, regional security tasks, and joint military operations. By training together and sharing resources, the two Anzac air forces continue to build a partnership that is both practical and operationally ready.- TINBureau