The Turkish Ministry of National Defense (MSB) has announced the latest developments regarding the procurement of 12 C-130J aircraft from the United Kingdom, aimed at strengthening the operational capabilities of the Turkish Air Force Command.
Aircraft Enter Maintenance and Modernization Phase
According to the Ministry’s statement, the aircraft have been delivered to the relevant company for pre-delivery maintenance and modernization activities.
The official statement noted:
“The aircraft in question have been delivered to the relevant company for maintenance and modernization. Under the signed contract, these aircraft will undergo maintenance and upgrades in the United Kingdom and will then be gradually incorporated into the inventory of our Air Force Command.”
Local Capability in Maintenance and Sustainment
The Ministry also emphasized that maintenance and sustainment of the C-130J aircraft will be carried out indigenously once Type Training programs for pilots and technical personnel are completed.
This initiative supports Türkiye’s goal of reducing foreign dependency and enhancing sustainable maintenance capabilities in the field of aviation.
Technical Specifications of the C-130J-30 Aircraft
| Specification | Detail / Description |
|---|---|
| Model | C-130J-30 (stretched fuselage variant of the C-130J) |
| Ceiling Altitude | 26,000 ft (with 20.2 tons of payload) |
| Cruise Speed | 645 km/h (Mach 0.58) at 22,000 ft |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 70 tons |
| Empty Weight | 34 tons |
| Range at Normal Payload | 3,889 km |
| Range with 18 Tons Payload | 4,425 km |
| Maximum Load Capacity | 8 pallets, 128 troops, 92 paratroopers, or a mixed combination |
| Cargo Bay Advantage | Two additional pallets compared to the standard C-130J |
| Mission Profile | Tactical airlift, air refueling, humanitarian aid, parachute operations, emergency evacuation |
Strategic Importance
With their long-range capability, short takeoff and landing performance, and multi-role transport flexibility, the C-130J-30 aircraft will significantly enhance the strategic airlift capacity of the Turkish Air Force.
The new fleet will enable Türkiye to operate more efficiently in humanitarian missions, exercises, and combat logistics support operations, strengthening the nation’s overall air mobility and rapid response capabilities.
