(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Turkiye is reportedly set to acquire 12 second-hand C-130J transport aircraft from the Royal Air Force (RAF), which have been in storage since their retirement last year, in a move to enhance its tactical airlift capabilities.
The Turkish Air Force (Turk Havva Kuvvetleri) will purchase all 12 aircraft for USD 740 million (RM 3.3 billion).
The RAF retired its C-130J fleet in June 2023 after 24 years of service.
Since then, the aircraft have been stored at Cambridge Airport in southeast England under the care of Marshall Aerospace, the maintenance contractor for C-130 transport planes.
The C-130J-30 variant, known as the C.Mk4 within the RAF, features an extended fuselage and has provided the RAF with tactical airlift flexibility, including in-flight refueling capabilities.
Acquiring these C-130J aircraft is a logical decision for the Turkish Air Force, which already operates older C-130B and C-130E models, alongside C-17 and CN-235 transport planes.
Brief:
Turkiye is set to purchase 12 second-hand C-130J transport aircraft from the Royal Air Force (RAF) for USD 740 million (RM 3.3 billion) to bolster its tactical airlift capabilities. Retired by the RAF in June 2023 after 24 years of service, these aircraft have been stored at Cambridge Airport under Marshall Aerospace’s care.
The C-130J-30, known as the C.Mk4 in RAF service, features an extended fuselage and in-flight refueling capability, offering operational flexibility. This acquisition aligns with the Turkish Air Force’s current operation of older C-130 models and other transport aircraft, ensuring a seamless integration due to existing familiarity with the platform.
C-130J aircraft were a cornerstone of RAF tactical airlift operations until their retirement in 2023 as part of UK cost-saving measures, with their role now fulfilled by the Airbus A400M. The C-130J has a proven track record in high-risk and conflict-zone missions due to its performance, versatility, and defense systems.