Australia and Indonesia have signed a memorandum of understanding for the transfer of four surplus Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed Martin C-130H tactical transports.

The signing was made after Australian prime minister Julia Gillard presented an offer to Indonesia for the transfer of the aircraft in November 2011.

Transferring the Hercules to Indonesia will improve the country's airlift capability, and support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, says Australia's Department of Defence.

 RAAF C-130H to Indonesia - Commonwealth of Austral

Commonwealth of Australia

Jakarta will fund the refurbishment and ongoing maintenance costs of the four aircraft, adds the DoD.

The aircraft involved in the agreement are part of the RAAF's fleet of 12 C-130Hs, which will be retired early as the country reduces defence spending.

Source: Flight International