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Türkiye is preparing to receive Lockheed Martin C-130J/C-130J-30 Hercules airlifters into military service, with sources confirming that the aircraft will arrive in early 2026, according to defense publication Janes' report by Gareth Jennings.
Personnel from the Turkish Air Force's 2nd Main Maintenance Factory Directorate at Kayseri in central Türkiye are currently at Marshall Aerospace in the U.K. to obtain type certification for the C-130J ahead of receiving the aircraft in the coming months.
Three sources with knowledge of the procurement, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed to Janes and other defense media that the airlifters would soon be arriving in the country.
The procurement involves 12 surplus U.K. aircraft that were retired from Royal Air Force (RAF) service in June 2023.
The confirmation came 11 months after Lockheed Martin told Janes in June 2024 that most of the retired RAF C-130Js "now have a home," although the company had not identified the customer at that time.
The U.K. Ministry of Defence previously declined to identify the buyer, stating that the customer had not yet authorized disclosure. Turkish national media subsequently reported that the Turkish Air Force (TUAF) was the customer for the bulk of the surplus fleet.
According to the Gareth Jennings from Janes, the construction of two new hangars for the C-130J fleet is set to commence at the Turkish Air Force maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Kayseri in the coming weeks.
The facility will continue to serve as the main operational base for the newly acquired transport aircraft, complementing Türkiye's existing military transport capabilities.
The C-130J-30 model features extended fuselage design, providing enhanced cargo and troop transport capacity compared to standard variants. Key specifications include:
C-130J Technical Details
C-130J Performance Characteristics
The aircraft features four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop engines, each producing 4,637 shaft horsepower, providing enhanced performance over earlier C-130 variants.
According to the unconfirmed reports, the approximately $740 million acquisition will significantly enhance both strategic and tactical airlift capabilities for the Turkish Air Force. The C-130J fleet is expected to work in coordination with the ongoing ERCIYES modernization program.
The new aircraft will also help reduce operational burden on Türkiye's existing Airbus A400M fleet while providing enhanced tactical air supply, personnel transport, and medical evacuation capabilities.
The Turkish Air Force currently operates a fleet of 19 C-130 aircraft, including C-130B and C-130E models. The addition of C-130J variants represents a logical progression, with existing maintenance and logistics infrastructure facilitating smooth integration.
At least one airframe from the existing fleet will likely be repurposed for spare parts rather than receiving scheduled upgrades under the ERCIYES program.
Türkiye has been operating the C-130's since 1964, when its first four C-130Es were delivered. The fleet grew slowly with more C-130Es until 1991 when six ex U.S. Air Force C-130Bs were purchased. Another six C-130Es were then acquired from Saudi Arabia in 2011, all operated by 222 ‘Alev’ squadron from Erkilet International Airport in Kayseri.
Compared to earlier C-130E/H models, the C-130J Super Hercules features significant technological improvements including advanced digital avionics, glass cockpit displays, and fly-by-wire flight control systems.
The aircraft offers automated landing and takeoff capabilities, enhanced operational flexibility, and reduced maintenance costs compared to analog-based predecessor systems.
The C-130J procurement represents part of broader defense cooperation between the United Kingdom and Türkiye. Discussions continue regarding potential acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft and various other systems.
The U.K. originally ordered these aircraft in 1994, receiving 10 C-130Js and 15 C-130J-30s. The first C-130J-30 entered service in August 1998 and was stationed at RAF Lyneham.
The aircraft were extensively used in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan from the late 1990s onward, performing logistical support, airdrop missions, and medical evacuations before their retirement as part of the UK's 2021 Defense Command Paper.
Beyond the C-130J acquisition, Türkiye is exploring options to replace its aging CN235 transport fleet as operational demands continue to grow.
Recently at the LAAD Defense and Security 2025 conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's Defense Minister, Jose Mucio, confirmed that the country is in talks with Poland, Türkiye, and Finland regarding potential sales of Embraer's KC-390 military aircraft.
"Negotiations to expand the KC-390's customer base are ongoing, and we are optimistic," Mucio said, highlighting the growing international interest in the Brazilian-made aircraft.
The Turkish Air Force is evaluating various alternatives, including additional A400M aircraft and other tactical transport solutions as part of long-term defense planning to ensure enhanced strategic mobility and logistical support.
The deal remains under discussion with official confirmation pending, though defense industry sources indicate the procurement is in final stages, some even saying deal is sealed already, yet to be announced.
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