The United States government has formally delivered a C-130H Hercules transport aircraft to the Tunisian Air Force – the fourth since 2021.
The aircraft (TS-MTP) was handed over in a ceremony at Sidi Ahmed Air Base in Bizerte on 13 January. In attendance were US Ambassador Bill Bazzi, Tunisian Minister of National Defence Khaled Sehili, Chief of Staff of the Tunisian Air Force General Mohammed Hajem, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the US Air Force for International Affairs Kelli Seybolt, and Brigadier General Shawn Holtz, the Deputy Director of US Africa Command’s Strategy, Engagement, and Programmes.
“The delivery of this aircraft continues the US government’s commitment to expanding the Tunisian Air Force’s air transport capabilities and furthering the prosperity of the United States defence economic sector. The additional airlift capacity will strengthen Tunisia’s ability to conduct joint and combined exercises, airlift missions, security operations, and rapid response missions across the region,” the US Embassy said.
“This aircraft represents another step forward in the long and trusted partnership between the United States and Tunisia,” said Bazzi. “Enhancing Tunisia’s airlift capacity strengthens our shared ability to support regional stability, cooperative security efforts, and humanitarian assistance.”
The transfer was made possible through the Excess Defence Articles (EDA) programme, administered by the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency, which facilitates the transfer of excess US defence equipment to allies, partner nations, and international organisations.
The last C-130H (TS-MTO) was handed over on 18 November 2024 and valued at $12 million. The Tunisian Air Force now flies five C-130Hs, one C-130B, and two newer-generation C-130J Super Hercules that were delivered between 2013 and 2015. Ten other Hercules are in storage or preservation.
Since 2020, US Air Forces Africa has developed and executed security cooperation programmes that have delivered nearly $100 million in training and equipment to the Tunisian Air Force. US Africa Command said that since 2011, the US has invested over $1 billion in security cooperation with Tunisia, including more than $160 million in 2023. This support has enabled Tunisia to participate in UN Peacekeeping Operations, engage in humanitarian missions, and become a regional security hub. Additionally, US counterterrorism programme have bolstered Tunisia’s security forces, reducing terrorist threats and enhancing border surveillance. The United States has also contributed to significant infrastructure projects in Tunisia, including airports, dams, and water systems, Africa Command said.
In September 2024, Tunisia improved its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities by acquiring four Textron Aviation C-208B Grand Caravan EX aircraft from the US. These are configured for intelligence missions, with night vision capabilities and other sophisticated surveillance equipment. The $54 million deal had a comprehensive support package with spare parts, flight training, technical drawings, logistics support and ground support equipment.
In July 2023, the Tunisian Air Force took delivery of the first four of eight Beechcraft T-6C Texan II trainers from the US. The aircraft are assigned to a squadron at Sfax air base and help strengthen security along the southern border and thwart cross-border smuggling and terrorism in addition to doing training duty.
