The Mexican government wants to acquire two C-130J transports under a $412 million foreign military sale, announced the Pentagon. The stretched C-130J-30s would “primarily be used for presidential support, but may also be used to support drug interdiction and other security missions,” states the Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s Sept. 25 release. The agency said it notified Congress of the potential transaction on Sept. 21. The FMS package would include spares, training, and logistical support, according to the release. The sale would contribute to US interests by “potentially supporting missions in Mexico’s fight against criminal organizations, drugs, and gang activities,” states the release. The Mexican air force already operates older model C-130s.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
