US Transfers C-130H2 Hercules Aircraft to Tunisian Air Force to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

The United States has transferred another C-130H2 Hercules transportation aircraft to the Tunisian Air Force. The delivery took place on November 18 and adds to a previous aircraft delivered in June.

To celebrate this milestone, U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia, Joey Hood, stated, “This delivery is part of the joint strategy between the United States and Tunisia to enhance the capacity of the Tunisian Defense Ministry and Air Force to ensure peace and security in the region and globally. Strengthening Tunisia’s airlift capabilities supports our shared interest in peace operations. We hope for more collaborative opportunities in the future.”

Since the 1980s, the Tunisian Air Force has operated Hercules C-130 variants “B” and “H.” In 2010, the fleet expanded with the addition of Super Hercules aircraft, making Tunisia the first operator of this aircraft type in Africa.

The new aircraft, C-130H2, serial number 015, was received at Sidi Ahmed Air Base in Bizerte, joining the previous C-130H, serial number 013. However, the age of some existing aircraft necessitates replacing them with models that have a longer lifespan. Adding more C-130H from the U.S. can help replace the older Hercules in service with the Tunisian Air Force.

The C-130H2 includes improvements over the “H” variant, featuring upgraded avionics, navigation systems, and enhanced engine performance.

U.S.-Tunisia cooperation extends beyond transport capacity. It also includes training new pilots. Recently, Tunisia received eight Beechcraft T-6C Texan II training aircraft, designated for the 13th Squadron at Sfax Air Base.