On November 18, 2024, the United States government marked a significant milestone by delivering a C-130H2 Hercules aircraft to the Tunisian Air Force. The ceremony, held at Sidi Ahmed Air Base in Bizerte, was attended by high-ranking officials from both Tunisia and the United States, including Tunisian Minister of National Defense Khaled Sehili, U.S. Ambassador Joey Hood, Chief of Staff of the Tunisian Air Force General Mohammed Hajem, and Lieutenant General Jason Hinds, Deputy Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa.
Enhancing Air Transport Capabilities
The delivery of this aircraft, valued at 36 million Tunisian dinars ($12 million), underscores the U.S. commitment to expanding the Tunisian Air Force’s air transport capabilities. This addition significantly bolsters Tunisia’s C-130 fleet, enhancing its ability to conduct military and humanitarian operations.
Ambassador Hood emphasized the strategic importance of this delivery, stating, “This delivery is part of the U.S.-Tunisian joint strategy to increase the Tunisian Ministry of Defense and the Tunisian Air Force’s ability to provide peace and security in the region and globally. Enhanced Tunisian air transportation capabilities advance our shared interest in peace operations. We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate jointly in the future.”
Modernization Program
The Tunisian Air Force (TAF) is currently undergoing a major modernization program for its fleet of C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, which play a vital role in its operations. This program involves upgrading the cockpit and mechanical components of the aircraft, as well as acquiring additional C-130H aircraft from the United States.
To facilitate these upgrades, the TAF has selected Honeywell and ST Engineering Defence Aviation Services (STEDAS) to perform the modernization work on its two existing C-130J-30 aircraft, delivered in 2013 and 2015. This marks the first integration of a Honeywell Aerospace Technologies solution by STEDAS, a joint venture between ST Engineering and Dassault Aviation. The upgrade will feature Honeywell’s Cockpit Display System Retrofit (CDSR) glass cockpit solution, offering various high-tech enhancements over legacy C-130 systems. The CDSR solution is available in three-display and five-display options, featuring large format LCD displays, flight controls, air data, and altitude sensors designed to meet sustainability and modernization needs.
Expanding the Fleet
In addition to upgrading its existing aircraft, it was announced the TAF will receive two more C-130H aircraft from the United States. This is one of the C-130 delivered. Approved for transfer in June 2020, these aircraft will augment the TAF’s transport capabilities and enhance interoperability with its allies. The total acquisition value, as stated by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, is $60 million.
Maintenance and Upgrades
The TAF has also contracted EDGE Group entity, AMMROC, a military maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services provider, for Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) and upgrades on one of its C-130 aircraft. Delivered to AMMROC’s MRO facility in Al Ain, UAE, in November 2021, this work is expected to last six months and involves a full structural inspection followed by customer-driven upgrade requirements. The announcement was made during the Dubai Airshow at Dubai World Central.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
This delivery and the ongoing modernization efforts underscore the strong defense ties between Tunisia and the United States. The collaboration not only enhances Tunisia’s operational capabilities but also reflects the shared commitment to regional peace and security. As Tunisia continues to upgrade its air transport fleet, these efforts pave the way for more robust and effective peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
