Turkey C-130J Hercules acquisition

Turkey Acquires 12 Ex-RAF C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft to Boost Strategic Airlift Fleet

The $740M deal with the UK includes modernization, training, and long-term sustainment, reinforcing Turkey’s tactical transport capabilities and easing pressure on its A400M fleet.

The Turkish Ministry of National Defence has finalized the acquisition of 12 retired Royal Air Force (RAF) C-130J Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft, marking a major enhancement to the Turkish Air Force’s (TuAF) medium-lift capabilities. Rear Admiral Zeki Akturk confirmed the deal during a press briefing on October 16, 2025, stating that the aircraft will be gradually inducted into service following maintenance and modernization in the United Kingdom.

The contract, valued at approximately $740 million, includes refurbishment, tooling, spare parts, and training. UK-based Marshall Aerospace will oversee the aircraft’s service entry, scheduled maintenance, and sustainment, while also helping Turkey develop indigenous support capabilities.

Turkey has operated various Hercules models since 1964, including C-130Bs and C-130Es acquired from the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Many of these aircraft were upgraded under the Erciyes modernization program led by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), resulting in the C-130BM and EM variants. Currently, around 19 upgraded Hercules aircraft remain in service, alongside 10 Airbus A400Ms.

Latest Developments

• Marshall Aerospace has begun pre-delivery work in Cambridge, with the first aircraft expected to arrive in Turkey by mid-2026.
• The C-130Js will initially augment the legacy Hercules fleet, providing relief to the A400Ms and enhancing operational flexibility for domestic and NATO missions.
• Training programs for Turkish personnel are underway, with a focus on maintenance, avionics, and mission systems.
• The aircraft are being configured for multi-role operations, including troop transport, humanitarian aid, and special missions.
• Defense analysts view the acquisition as a strategic move, allowing Turkey to maintain robust airlift capacity while its indigenous transport programs mature.

Strategic Context

The C-130J acquisition reflects Turkey’s broader defense modernization strategy, balancing legacy fleet upgrades with new procurement. The Super Hercules offers enhanced range, payload, and avionics, making it ideal for regional logistics, disaster response, and coalition operations.

As Turkey continues to expand its defense autonomy, this deal also strengthens ties with the UK and ensures interoperability with NATO allies.

Sources: Ankara ©XAirForces News, 12 January 2026
The Aviationist – Turkey Buys RAF’s Retired C-130Js, AeroTime – Turkey Confirms Deal for RAF C-130Js, IRIA News – Türkiye Finalizes C-130J Acquisition

Photo: Turkey has finalized a $740M deal to acquire 12 ex-RAF C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The agreement includes modernization, training, and long-term support, boosting the Turkish Air Force’s tactical airlift capacity and easing pressure on its A400M fleet. (Photo by ©)

Editor: Ali Cem Tatar (©XAirForces Sci-Tech and Space Technologies News Editor from European Countries)

Keywords: $740 million UK-Turkey defense dealA400M supportairlift fleetC-130JC-130J modernization and trainingErciyes program legacy HerculesErciyes upgradeMarshall AerospaceMarshall Aerospace supports Turkish C-130JsNATO interoperability with C-130JNATO logisticsRAF Herculestactical transportTuAFTuAF modernizationTuAF tactical airlift enhancementTurkey acquires ex-RAF C-130J aircraftTurkey’s strategic transport capabilityTurkish Air ForceTurkish Air Force expands Hercules fleetTurkish indigenous maintenance developmentTürkiye

Turkey C-130J Hercules acquisition


(6.01.2026)