Super Hercules for Egypt
September 5, 2024
On 5 September, 2024, the Egyptian Armed Forces announced that Lockheed Martin will deliver two stretched C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifters to the Egyptian Air Force, though other sources suggest that as many as twelve C-130J-30 Super Hercules transports were already on order for the Egyptian Air Force.
The aircraft will be supplied to Egypt via the US Foreign Military Sale (FMS) mechanism.
Egypt already operates one of the world’s largest C-130H fleets, in support of national, regional and global mission requirements. Egypt’s Herculese fleet has a significant presence in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region supporting military, peacekeeping, humanitarian and natural disaster response mission requirements.
“Egypt is a distinguished C-130 operator, relying on the EAF’s large Hercules fleet to support some of the most challenging mission requirements,” said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business.
Egypt purchased six C-130Hs in June 1976 through FMS, with subsequent batches being delivered through to 1990 bringing the total to 29, including one VC-130H and three C-130H-30s. Five have been written off in service, but the survivors serve with No.s 4 and 16 Squadrons within 516 Air Wing (159 Air Division), at Cairo International. No.16 Squadron includes a number of aircraft converted to EC-130H configuration for ELINT duties.
The C-130J-30 Super Hercules will deliver enhanced capability, versatility and power to EAF Hercules crews. The new C-130J variant also offers increased reliability, superior tactical airlift and combat airdrop capabilities and enhanced survivability, coupled with proven operational readiness and while offering the greatest ease of transition. The C-130J has low life-cycle costs and promises significant fuel savings resulting in a reduced carbon footprint compared to other medium-sized jet airlifters. The C-130J been certificated by more than 20 airworthiness authorities, and delivers unmatched interoperability with NATO and global air forces, while promising access to robust industrial partnerships.
Egypt is the 23rd nation to join the worldwide Super Hercules operating community and will join seven MENA operators that have chosen the C-130J as a preferred tactical airlifter and tanker.
“Welcoming Egypt to the C-130J Super Hercules global fleet is an honour that truly represents the longstanding partnership between our two nations and with Lockheed Martin. Through these new C-130J-30s, the EAF’s tactical airlift presence deliver unmatched capabilities and aligned force amplification to better serve Egypt, north Africa and the world,” McLean concluded.
