Egypt orders a pair of stretched C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft

The Egyptian Armed Forces announced at the Egypt International Air Show on 5 September 2024 that two Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft have been ordered for the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism.

The C-130J-30 is the stretched version of the Super Hercules. According to Lockheed Martin literature it has maximum payload of 50,000 lb (22,670 kg) and a range with a 40,000 lb payload of 4,425 km.

The EAF currently operates a fleet of 21 C-130Hs and three stretched C-130H-30s. An original fleet of 26 C-130Hs were delivered from 1978, while the three C-130H-30s were delivered from 1990.

“Egypt is a distinguished C-130 operator, flying its Hercules fleet to support some of the most challenging mission requirements,” Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Air Mobility & Maritime Missions business, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “Welcoming Egypt to the C-130J Super Hercules global fleet is an honour that truly represents the longstanding partnership between our two nations and with Lockheed Martin. 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.”

Egypt is the 23rd nation to order C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, of which Lockheed Martin says its has delivered more than 545 worldwide.