Egypt Joins Global C-130J Super Hercules Fleet with Acquisition of Two Tactical Airlifters
Egypt announced the 5 september 2024 at the Egypt International Air Show in El Alamein that Lockheed Martin will deliver two C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifters to the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) through a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) with the U.S. Air Force. With this acquisition, Egypt becomes the 23rd nation to join the global community of Super Hercules operators.
The C-130J-30 is recognized as one of the most advanced tactical airlifters in the world, offering enhanced capabilities, increased versatility, and greater power for EAF crews. Egypt already operates one of the largest C-130H fleets globally, playing a critical role in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for military, peacekeeping, humanitarian, and disaster relief missions. By joining seven other operators in the MENA region, Egypt has chosen the C-130J as its preferred medium-sized tactical airlifter and tanker.
The C-130J-30 is an extended version of the C-130J Super Hercules, designed for tactical airlift missions. Production of the C-130J began in the 1990s, and the J-30 variant entered service shortly after. In 2024, it is used by over 20 countries. The C-130J-30 offers improved transport capacity and range compared to previous models, making it suitable for various missions, including military transport, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief operations.
The aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics, improved engines, and increased fuel efficiency, allowing it to operate in diverse environments. It can carry up to 19,000 kg of cargo, accommodate up to 92 troops or 128 medical personnel, and has a maximum range of 4,000 km. The C-130J-30 is known for its reliability, interoperability with NATO and allied forces, and its capabilities in air-to-air refueling and airdrops, making it one of the most versatile tactical airlifters in service today.
Rod McLean, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions division, stated, “Egypt has long been a C-130 operator, using its Hercules fleet to support some of the most complex missions. Welcoming Egypt into the global C-130J Super Hercules fleet reflects the long-standing partnership between our two nations and Lockheed Martin. With these new C-130J-30s, the Egyptian Air Force’s tactical airlift capabilities will be significantly enhanced to serve Egypt, North Africa, and beyond.”
The C-130J Super Hercules continues to evolve, setting standards and shaping the future of tactical airlift missions. To date, Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 545 C-130Js, and the global Super Hercules fleet has surpassed over 3 million flight hours.
The Super Hercules stands out with its proven operational readiness, easy transition, increased reliability, superior tactical airlift and combat airdrop capabilities, certification by more than 20 airworthiness authorities, and improved survivability. The C-130J also offers unparalleled interoperability with NATO and partner nations, strong industrial partnerships, and lower life-cycle costs with significant fuel savings, reducing its carbon footprint compared to other medium-sized tactical airlifters.
With the integration of the C-130J-30, the Egyptian Air Force will significantly boost its tactical capabilities, reinforcing its regional and international role in military and humanitarian missions.