# Tunisia Accepts Additional C-130H Hercules from US Inventory

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2026/02/tunisia-accepts-additional-c-130h-hercules-from-us-inventory/
- Published: 2026-02-03T20:17:19+01:00
- Author: Nzeadibe Ijeoma

On January 13, 2026, the Tunisian Air Force officially integrated another Lockheed
Martin C-130H Hercules into its fleet, following a formal handover ceremony at the
Sidi Ahmed Air Base in Bizerte. The event featured several high-ranking officials,
including United States Ambassador Bill Bazzi, Tunisian Minister of National Defence
Khaled Sehili, and Chief of Staff of the Tunisian Air Force General Mohammed Hajem.
This delivery marks a notable expansion of Tunisia’s tactical airlift capacity and
reflects the long-standing defence relationship between the two nations, which spans
over four decades.

The transfer of this aircraft occurred under the Excess Defence Articles (EDA) program.
Managed by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the EDA program allows
the United States to transfer surplus military equipment to foreign partners at 
a reduced cost or as a grant. This specific acquisition originated from a 2019 request
in which Tunisia and Morocco [sought to acquire](https://www.military.africa/2020/06/tunisia-moroccan-request-for-transfer-of-c-130h-hercules-approved-by-us/)
four C-130H aircraft from the United States’ excess inventory. According to DSCA
records from June 2019, the total acquisition value for the Tunisian portion of 
the request was estimated at $60 million. The aircraft delivered on January 13 is
the fourth C-130H transferred to Tunisia since 2021. This follows the most recent
[previous delivery in November 2024](https://www.military.africa/2024/11/united-states-delivers-c-130-hercules-transport-aircraft-to-tunisian-air-force/),
involving an airframe valued at $12 million.

In 2021, EDGE Group entity, AMMROC, a military maintenance, repair, and overhaul(
MRO) services provider [signed ](https://www.military.africa/2021/11/edge-signs-c-130-services-deal-with-tunisia/)
a contract with the Tunisian Air Force (TAF) to perform Programmed Depot Maintenance(
PDM) and upgrades on a C-130 aircraft. The aircraft was recently delivered by TAF
personnel to AMMROC’s MRO facility in Al Ain, UAE, with work now well underway following
aircraft induction.

With this latest addition, the Tunisian Air Force now operates a diverse fleet of
Hercules aircraft. The current operational inventory includes five C-130Hs, one 
C-130B, and two newer-generation C-130J Super Hercules. While the C-130J models,
delivered between 2013 and 2015, represent the modern edge of the fleet with an 
average age of 12 years, the legacy airframes remain the backbone of the transport
wing. The average age of the legacy fleet stands at 45.8 years, which necessitates
a robust sustainment and maintenance framework to ensure operational readiness. 
Additionally, the Tunisian military maintains ten other Hercules airframes in various
states of storage or preservation, providing a potential source for parts or future
refurbishment.

The C-130H variant remains a preferred platform for North African operations due
to its rugged design and reliable performance in austere environments. Unlike the
C-130B, the H-model features upgraded Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines and a redesigned
outer wing. These technical improvements provide better reliability and load-carrying
capability during high-altitude or high-temperature missions. The aircraft serves
a vital role in logistical support, allowing the Tunisian military to move personnel
and equipment rapidly across a geographically diverse landscape. Ambassador Bazzi
noted during the ceremony that “Enhancing Tunisia’s airlift capacity strengthens
our shared ability to support regional stability, cooperative security efforts, 
and humanitarian assistance.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Tunisia’s status as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) facilitates these types of transfers.
This designation provides the country with priority access to U.S. defence equipment
and training, fostering a deep level of interoperability. Since 2011, the United
States has invested more than $1 billion in security cooperation with Tunisia. In
2023 alone, this support exceeded $160 million. These investments enable Tunisia
to function as a regional security hub, contributing to United Nations Peacekeeping
Operations and executing humanitarian missions that extend beyond its borders.

The expanded airlift capacity is particularly vital for Tunisia’s internal and regional
security missions. The Tunisian Air Force uses these assets for security operations
and rapid response tasks, particularly in managing its borders. The ability to deploy
troops and supplies quickly is a deterrent against cross-border smuggling and insurgent
activities. U.S. Air Forces Africa has been instrumental in this development, executing
security cooperation programs worth nearly $100 million in training and equipment
since 2020.

Meanwhile, the Tunisian Air Force (TAF) is [undergoing a major modernization program](https://www.military.africa/2024/02/tunisia-to-modernize-its-c-130j-super-hercules-transport/)
for its fleet of C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, which are vital for its
military and humanitarian operations. The program involves upgrading the cockpit
and mechanical components of the aircraft, as well as acquiring two additional C-
130H aircraft from the United States.

ADVERTISEMENT

The TAF has selected Honeywell and ST Engineering Defence Aviation Services (STEDAS)
to perform the upgrade work on its two existing C-130J-30 aircraft, which were delivered
in 2013 and 2015. The upgrade will be the first integration of a Honeywell Aerospace
Technologies solution by STEDAS, a joint venture between ST Engineering and Dassault
Aviation.

ADVERTISEMENT

The delivery of the C-130H is part of a wider effort to modernise the Tunisian Air
Force’s specialised wings. In September 2024, Tunisia bolstered its intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities by acquiring four Textron Aviation
C-208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft. These aircraft, valued at $54 million, come equipped
with sophisticated surveillance tools and night vision capabilities. They provide
a persistent overhead presence that complements the heavy-lift capabilities of the
C-130 fleet.

Similarly, the pilot training pipeline received a substantial boost in July 2023
with the delivery of the first four Beechcraft T-6C Texan II trainers. These eight
aircraft, stationed at Sfax Air Base, provide a modern platform for training the
next generation of aviators who will eventually transition to the C-130 or ISR platforms.
The T-6C aircraft also plays a dual role by assisting in border surveillance missions.

The January 2026 delivery of the C-130H demonstrates a sustained commitment to Tunisia’s
sovereign defence capabilities. By leveraging the EDA program, the Tunisian Air 
Force can maintain a substantial transport capability without the prohibitive costs
of a purely new-build fleet. The presence of Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary
of the Air Force for International Affairs Kelli Seybolt and Brigadier General Shawn
Holtz at the ceremony further demonstrates the importance the United States places
on this partnership. As Tunisia continues to navigate complex regional security 
challenges, its expanded Hercules fleet will provide the logistical reach necessary
to maintain stability.

### _Related_