Egypt has confirmed an order for two new C-130J-30 Super Hercules transport aircraft from Lockheed Martin, making it the 23rd country to acquire this advanced airlifter. The announcement was made at the Egypt International Air Show on 5 September.
This procurement will be completed via Washington’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system, following the US Senate’s approval of the sale of up to a dozen Super Hercules to Egypt two years ago.
In January 2022, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced a potential $2.2 billion sale, which includes 12 C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft and related equipment, as well as three SPS-48 Land-Based Radar systems valued at $355 million.
The DSCA noted that this acquisition will enhance Egypt’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing airlift support for its forces, moving supplies, equipment, and personnel. The aircraft can also be used for maritime patrol and rescue missions.
Despite human rights concerns related to the detention of political prisoners, which led to the cancellation of $130 million in military aid, the US State Department approved the potential sale in January 2022, with Senate approval following two months later. Egypt’s Air Force, a legacy Hercules operator, currently maintains one of the world’s largest C-130H fleets, with approximately 22 C-130H and three C-130H-30S aircraft still in service.
Lockheed Martin highlighted the significant presence of Egypt’s C-130 fleet in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region, supporting military, peacekeeping, humanitarian, and natural disaster response missions. Egypt joins seven other MENA operators that have chosen the C-130J as their preferred medium-sized tactical airlifter and tanker.
Rod McLean, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions line of business, stated, “With these new C-130J-30s, the Egyptian Air Force’s tactical airlift presence will deliver unmatched capabilities and aligned force amplification to serve Egypt, North Africa, and the world.”
The new aircraft are expected to assist Egypt with border security, interdiction of terrorist elements, rapid reaction to internal security threats, and humanitarian aid. Additionally, Egypt plans to use the aircraft for maritime patrol and search and rescue missions in the region.
Over the past decade, Egypt has been enhancing its airlift fleet, including the acquisition of two second-hand Ilyushin Il-76MF transport aircraft from Jordan in mid-2019. Other transports in the Egyptian Air Force include several An-74TK-200As, two dozen C-295Ms, several DHC-5D Buffalos, and a number of Boeing 707 tanker/transports.
The C-130J Super Hercules represents a significant advancement over the legacy C-130 Hercules, featuring modernized design elements, enhanced performance, and advanced avionics. Introduced in 1999, the C-130J is powered by more efficient Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop engines, offering improved speed, range, and payload capacity. Its digital cockpit includes advanced avionics and dual head-up displays that enhance situational awareness and reduce pilot workload.
Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 545 C-130Js globally, with the Super Hercules fleet surpassing more than 3 million flight hours.