The last time that the RAAF looked at Caribou replacement options the C295 came out on top because it represented significantly better value for money than the C27 Spartan - despite its commonality with the C130J. (more hulls for the same money)
The other issue that surfaced is that both replacement options have tandem main gear which tends to cause the aircraft to bog when doing tight 180 degree turns on soft unsealed strips. The Caribous gear conficuration doesn't have this porblem.