Australia's $6.6 bln Deal: 20 Hercules Military Transport Planes Acquired

Australia has announced plans to purchase 20 new Super Hercules military transport aircraft from Lockheed Martin for $6.6 billion. The deal comes as part of a show of force and unity with the United States amid China's increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. The new aircraft will replace and expand upon Australia's aging fleet and will be delivered from 2027 onwards.