On January 13, 2026, the Tunisian Air Force officially integrated another Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules into its fleet, following a formal handover ceremony at the Sidi Ahmed Air Base in Bizerte. The event featured several high-ranking officials, including United States Ambassador Bill Bazzi, Tunisian Minister of National Defence Khaled Sehili, and Chief of Staff of the Tunisian Air Force General Mohammed Hajem. This delivery marks a notable expansion of Tunisia’s tactical airlift capacity and reflects the long-standing defence relationship between the two nations, which spans over four decades.
The transfer of this aircraft occurred under the Excess Defence Articles (EDA) program. Managed by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the EDA program allows the United States to transfer surplus military equipment to foreign partners at a reduced cost or as a grant. This specific acquisition originated from a 2019 request in which Tunisia and Morocco sought to acquire four C-130H aircraft from the United States’ excess inventory. According to DSCA records from June 2019, the total acquisition value for the Tunisian portion of the request was estimated at $60 million. The aircraft delivered on January 13 is the fourth C-130H transferred to Tunisia since 2021. This follows the most recent previous delivery in November 2024, involving an airframe valued at $12 million.
In 2021, EDGE Group entity, AMMROC, a military maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services provider signed a contract with the Tunisian Air Force (TAF) to perform Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) and upgrades on a C-130 aircraft. The aircraft was recently delivered by TAF personnel to AMMROC’s MRO facility in Al Ain, UAE, with work now well underway following aircraft induction.
With this latest addition, the Tunisian Air Force now operates a diverse fleet of Hercules aircraft. The current operational inventory includes five C-130Hs, one C-130B, and two newer-generation C-130J Super Hercules. While the C-130J models, delivered between 2013 and 2015, represent the modern edge of the fleet with an average age of 12 years, the legacy airframes remain the backbone of the transport wing. The average age of the legacy fleet stands at 45.8 years, which necessitates a robust sustainment and maintenance framework to ensure operational readiness. Additionally, the Tunisian military maintains ten other Hercules airframes in various states of storage or preservation, providing a potential source for parts or future refurbishment.
The C-130H variant remains a preferred platform for North African operations due to its rugged design and reliable performance in austere environments. Unlike the C-130B, the H-model features upgraded Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines and a redesigned outer wing. These technical improvements provide better reliability and load-carrying capability during high-altitude or high-temperature missions. The aircraft serves a vital role in logistical support, allowing the Tunisian military to move personnel and equipment rapidly across a geographically diverse landscape. Ambassador Bazzi noted during the ceremony that “Enhancing Tunisia’s airlift capacity strengthens our shared ability to support regional stability, cooperative security efforts, and humanitarian assistance.”
Tunisia’s status as a Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) facilitates these types of transfers. This designation provides the country with priority access to U.S. defence equipment and training, fostering a deep level of interoperability. Since 2011, the United States has invested more than $1 billion in security cooperation with Tunisia. In 2023 alone, this support exceeded $160 million. These investments enable Tunisia to function as a regional security hub, contributing to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and executing humanitarian missions that extend beyond its borders.
The expanded airlift capacity is particularly vital for Tunisia’s internal and regional security missions. The Tunisian Air Force uses these assets for security operations and rapid response tasks, particularly in managing its borders. The ability to deploy troops and supplies quickly is a deterrent against cross-border smuggling and insurgent activities. U.S. Air Forces Africa has been instrumental in this development, executing security cooperation programs worth nearly $100 million in training and equipment since 2020.
Meanwhile, the Tunisian Air Force (TAF) is undergoing a major modernization program for its fleet of C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft, which are vital for its military and humanitarian operations. The program involves upgrading the cockpit and mechanical components of the aircraft, as well as acquiring two additional C-130H aircraft from the United States.
The TAF has selected Honeywell and ST Engineering Defence Aviation Services (STEDAS) to perform the upgrade work on its two existing C-130J-30 aircraft, which were delivered in 2013 and 2015. The upgrade will be the first integration of a Honeywell Aerospace Technologies solution by STEDAS, a joint venture between ST Engineering and Dassault Aviation.
The delivery of the C-130H is part of a wider effort to modernise the Tunisian Air Force’s specialised wings. In September 2024, Tunisia bolstered its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities by acquiring four Textron Aviation C-208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft. These aircraft, valued at $54 million, come equipped with sophisticated surveillance tools and night vision capabilities. They provide a persistent overhead presence that complements the heavy-lift capabilities of the C-130 fleet.
Similarly, the pilot training pipeline received a substantial boost in July 2023 with the delivery of the first four Beechcraft T-6C Texan II trainers. These eight aircraft, stationed at Sfax Air Base, provide a modern platform for training the next generation of aviators who will eventually transition to the C-130 or ISR platforms. The T-6C aircraft also plays a dual role by assisting in border surveillance missions.
The January 2026 delivery of the C-130H demonstrates a sustained commitment to Tunisia’s sovereign defence capabilities. By leveraging the EDA program, the Tunisian Air Force can maintain a substantial transport capability without the prohibitive costs of a purely new-build fleet. The presence of Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs Kelli Seybolt and Brigadier General Shawn Holtz at the ceremony further demonstrates the importance the United States places on this partnership. As Tunisia continues to navigate complex regional security challenges, its expanded Hercules fleet will provide the logistical reach necessary to maintain stability.
