The Taiwanese Air Force has revealed plans to purchase 10 C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft from the United States, scrapping a previous initiative to extend the service life of its current C-130H fleet.
Taiwan’s Central News Agency reported that the move followed an internal review which determined that upgrading the 40-year-old aircraft would deliver limited operational gains compared to the anticipated costs.
Between 2015 and 2020, Taiwan’s 19 C-130H aircraft were scheduled for a major modernization program. The proposed upgrades included cockpit enhancements, improved maritime search-and-rescue capabilities, simulator improvements, upgraded positioning and reporting systems, and advanced collision-avoidance technologies.
However, structural reinforcement of the aging airframes was also required, significantly increasing the complexity and financial burden of the program, the agency noted.
Another decisive factor was the need to ensure seamless interoperability with US and allied forces in contested operational environments, prompting the shift to the more advanced C-130J platform.
For More Demanding Missions
Equipped with a fully digital cockpit and more powerful engines, the C-130J Super Hercules offers faster mission preparation and improved operational safety, while substantially boosting transport and resupply performance.
The Lockheed Martin-built aircraft provides greater range, shorter takeoff and landing capability, higher payload capacity, and reduced crew requirements — all while maintaining manageable maintenance demands.
After the C-130J enters service, the existing C-130H fleet will receive only limited domestic upgrades. Taiwan plans to operate a high-low mix, with the newer J-model complementing and gradually replacing the older H-variant.
The C-130J fleet will take on more complex missions, including night operations, while the legacy C-130H aircraft will continue performing routine airlift duties.
