Türkiye Enhances Its Fleet with Acquisition of Former British Air Force Hercules C4 Aircraft
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Military relations between Türkiye and the United Kingdom have advanced with Türkiye’s acquisition of 12 Hercules C.4 aircraft from the Royal Air Force (RAF). Internationally known as C-130J-30 Super Hercules, these transport planes mark a significant upgrade for the Turkish Air Force, allowing the replacement of outdated Lockheed C-130B Hercules aircraft that have been in service for over six decades. The agreement benefits both nations, optimizing resources while enhancing respective capabilities.
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A Royal Air Force C130J C4 Hercules tactical air transport aircraft attached to 903 Expeditionary Air Wing, RAF Akrotiri, conducts a local flying sortie to maintain crew flying currency (Picture source: British MoD)
Retired from active RAF service 18 months ago, the Hercules C.4 aircraft had been in storage in England, with some fearing their potential scrapping. However, negotiations initiated in July 2024 concluded successfully on December 1, 2024. Türkiye, known for its discretion regarding military acquisitions, requested that the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed.
The C-130J-30 Super Hercules, developed by Lockheed Martin, features an extended fuselage, offering increased capacity for cargo and personnel. The aircraft can transport up to eight pallets, 128 equipped soldiers, or 92 paratroopers, demonstrating exceptional versatility. With a maximum payload of 20,227 kilograms, it reaches cruising speeds of 410 mph (Mach 0.58) at altitudes of up to 8,000 meters and offers a range of 4,425 kilometers with an operational load of 18,144 kilograms. Its advanced navigation radar and integrated defensive systems ensure operational efficiency and adaptability in challenging environments.
Designed for a wide range of missions—including troop transport, medical evacuations, air drops, and humanitarian operations—the C-130J-30 has logged over three million flight hours globally, underscoring its role as a NATO airlift mainstay. By acquiring these aircraft, Türkiye enhances its operational capabilities while ensuring interoperability with allied forces, modernizing its transport fleet, and gaining a valuable strategic asset.
Prior to this agreement, the RAF fleet included 13 Hercules C.4 and two Hercules C.5 models. While Türkiye exclusively acquired the Hercules C.4 with its longer fuselage, one C.4 and two C.5 models remain available for sale. Discussions with the Bangladesh Air Force and private U.S. operators are ongoing, with the latter exploring the possibility of converting these aircraft into water bombers.
For Türkiye, this acquisition provides a much-needed update to its aging fleet. The current Lockheed C-130B Hercules aircraft obtained secondhand from the U.S. Department of Defense in the 1970s and 1980s, are nearing the end of their service lives. Complemented by similarly aged C-130E models, many of these aircraft have seen action during the Vietnam War under U.S. Air Force markings. The Hercules C.4 will significantly improve Türkiye’s tactical transport performance and operational reliability.
This agreement is pending approval from U.S. federal authorities, as such sensitive military equipment requires oversight. Türkiye hopes to secure authorization quickly, leveraging its NATO membership to expedite the process. The goal is to finalize the deal before the end of Joe Biden’s presidential term in January 2025, enabling deliveries to commence on schedule throughout 2025.
Recent developments illustrate strengthening ties between Türkiye and the United Kingdom, particularly in defense and military cooperation. Beyond the Hercules acquisition, Türkiye has shown interest in purchasing 40 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, produced by a consortium including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Although met with reservations, particularly from Germany, negotiations remain ongoing. These efforts reflect a shared commitment to bolstering strategic and operational partnerships while diversifying Türkiye’s military procurement options.
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
Military relations between Türkiye and the United Kingdom have advanced with Türkiye’s acquisition of 12 Hercules C.4 aircraft from the Royal Air Force (RAF). Internationally known as C-130J-30 Super Hercules, these transport planes mark a significant upgrade for the Turkish Air Force, allowing the replacement of outdated Lockheed C-130B Hercules aircraft that have been in service for over six decades. The agreement benefits both nations, optimizing resources while enhancing respective capabilities.
A Royal Air Force C130J C4 Hercules tactical air transport aircraft attached to 903 Expeditionary Air Wing, RAF Akrotiri, conducts a local flying sortie to maintain crew flying currency (Picture source: British MoD)
Retired from active RAF service 18 months ago, the Hercules C.4 aircraft had been in storage in England, with some fearing their potential scrapping. However, negotiations initiated in July 2024 concluded successfully on December 1, 2024. Türkiye, known for its discretion regarding military acquisitions, requested that the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed.
The C-130J-30 Super Hercules, developed by Lockheed Martin, features an extended fuselage, offering increased capacity for cargo and personnel. The aircraft can transport up to eight pallets, 128 equipped soldiers, or 92 paratroopers, demonstrating exceptional versatility. With a maximum payload of 20,227 kilograms, it reaches cruising speeds of 410 mph (Mach 0.58) at altitudes of up to 8,000 meters and offers a range of 4,425 kilometers with an operational load of 18,144 kilograms. Its advanced navigation radar and integrated defensive systems ensure operational efficiency and adaptability in challenging environments.
Designed for a wide range of missions—including troop transport, medical evacuations, air drops, and humanitarian operations—the C-130J-30 has logged over three million flight hours globally, underscoring its role as a NATO airlift mainstay. By acquiring these aircraft, Türkiye enhances its operational capabilities while ensuring interoperability with allied forces, modernizing its transport fleet, and gaining a valuable strategic asset.
Prior to this agreement, the RAF fleet included 13 Hercules C.4 and two Hercules C.5 models. While Türkiye exclusively acquired the Hercules C.4 with its longer fuselage, one C.4 and two C.5 models remain available for sale. Discussions with the Bangladesh Air Force and private U.S. operators are ongoing, with the latter exploring the possibility of converting these aircraft into water bombers.
For Türkiye, this acquisition provides a much-needed update to its aging fleet. The current Lockheed C-130B Hercules aircraft obtained secondhand from the U.S. Department of Defense in the 1970s and 1980s, are nearing the end of their service lives. Complemented by similarly aged C-130E models, many of these aircraft have seen action during the Vietnam War under U.S. Air Force markings. The Hercules C.4 will significantly improve Türkiye’s tactical transport performance and operational reliability.
This agreement is pending approval from U.S. federal authorities, as such sensitive military equipment requires oversight. Türkiye hopes to secure authorization quickly, leveraging its NATO membership to expedite the process. The goal is to finalize the deal before the end of Joe Biden’s presidential term in January 2025, enabling deliveries to commence on schedule throughout 2025.
Recent developments illustrate strengthening ties between Türkiye and the United Kingdom, particularly in defense and military cooperation. Beyond the Hercules acquisition, Türkiye has shown interest in purchasing 40 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, produced by a consortium including the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Although met with reservations, particularly from Germany, negotiations remain ongoing. These efforts reflect a shared commitment to bolstering strategic and operational partnerships while diversifying Türkiye’s military procurement options.
