A cynic might suggest that it’s better to use the type that you’re about to get rid of rather than risk the ones you’re keeping…
So the use of the C130J might not reflect any perceived value to the type.
The C-17 and A-400 fleets will also be occupied shuttling in ammo and other supplies to Poland and elsewhere for Ukraine, plus supporting all the tasks they’ve taken over from the C-130 fleet, so it’s plausible the availability of the aircraft was a factor in the choice.
When was the required size of the AT force last assessed?
When we ordered the A-400 the C-17 purchase wasn’t envisaged and the army and RAF were far larger than they now are - and that’s before the latest planned cuts. I have the seen the remarks about additional A-400s, is this defined in any of the latest reviews?