# Tigray rebels shoots down Ethiopian C-130E aircraft

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2021/06/tigray-rebels-shoots-down-ethiopian-c-130e-aircraft/
- Published: 2021-06-25T17:52:13+01:00
- Author: Sarah Lesedi

The ongoing conflict in Ethiopia’s northern region has a new turn as forces of the
Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) – a rebel group claims to have shot down
a Lockheed C-130E Hercules tactical transport aircraft of the [Ethiopian Air Force](https://www.military.africa/2021/06/tigray-rebels-shoots-down-ethiopian-c-130e-aircraft/military.africa/2020/10/ethiopian-air-force-ranks-a-complete-guide)
in June 23.

The downed C-130E Hercules aircraft with serial 1564 (c/n 382-3822), was carrying
troops and ammunition to the frontlines when it succumbed to enemy anti-air action,
leaving only one of the type in service.

Ethiopia’s C-130s are operated by the 15 Squadron at Debre Zeit Air Base, a part
of Harar Meda Airport in Bishoftu. There have been no confirmed survivor in the 
crash.

The Ethiopian Air Force operates two C-130Es [donated by the United States in July 2014 and 2018 ](https://www.military.africa/2021/06/tigray-rebels-shoots-down-ethiopian-c-130e-aircraft/military.africa/2018/06/ethiopian-air-force-receives-c-130-hercules-aircraft-from-us)
to assist in airlift and transportation duties for the Ethiopian forces currently
battling the deadly Somalian terrorist group al-Shabbab.

Operated as serial 62-1858, the US-donated C-130E had clocked 22,739 flight hours
before being transferred to the Ethiopian Air Force.

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The C-130E is an extended-range development of the C-130B, with two underwing fuel
tanks and increased range and endurance capabilities.

Ethiopia launched a military offensive against the TPLF in the Tigray region last
November.

In 2019, an Ethiopian Air Force [Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker jet crashed](https://www.military.africa/2021/06/tigray-rebels-shoots-down-ethiopian-c-130e-aircraft/military.africa/2019/10/ethiopian-air-force-sukhoi-su-27-fighter-jet-crash-no-survivors)
after takeoff from the Debrezeit Air Force base, 50 km Southeast of Addis Ababa,
killing two pilots.

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For transport duties, Ethiopian Air Force operates three Antonov An-12, a single
Antonov An-32, and two DHC-6 Twin Otters.

In addition, two C-130Bs, entered operational service in 1997, and another two Lockheed
L-100-30 Hercules, in 2007. One C-130B crashed in August 2013, while the second 
L-100-30 has been withdrawn from active service.

This leaves a C-130B and L-100-30 operational with 15 Squadron at Debre Zeit.

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