The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has begun taking delivery of legacy Lockheed-Martin C-130H Hercules aircraft to replace its ageing C-130B fleet, a move confirmed by RSAF Chief Maj. Gen. Kelvin Fan ahead of the Singapore Airshow. According to Fan, the decision follows a thorough evaluation of airlift capabilities, confirming that the C-130 platform remains the most suitable choice for Singapore’s operational needs for the next 15 to 20 years.
While the official announcement did not specify the number of aircraft acquired or their origins, open-source tracking indicates that at least three C-130Hs have arrived in Singapore since mid-December. These include a standard C-130H (US registration N974BA), a KC-130H tanker (N973BA), and a stretched C-130H-30 variant (N977BA). Observers from Breaking Defense confirmed the arrival of the final aircraft on January 30.
The aircraft now entering RSAF service are known to be former Ejército del Aire C-130H Hercules. Spain retired its remaining C-130Hs from active service in the early 2020s following the introduction of the Airbus A400M Atlas. After withdrawal, several airframes were placed in storage, remaining preserved but inactive for a period before being sold on the secondary market. These aircraft were subsequently acquired by Blue Aerospace, a Florida-based company specialising in the resale of surplus military airframes, which handled their storage, maintenance, and preparation for onward transfer.
Flight data reveals that the aircraft previously belonged to Blue Aerospace, which is currently advertising a mix of standard C-130Hs, C-130H-30s, and KC-130Hs for sale. The company has highlighted the relatively good material condition of these aircraft, reflecting their late-service upgrades under Spanish operation and the limited fatigue accumulated prior to retirement. Blue Aerospace did not respond to media requests for comment at the time of publication.
The acquisition represents a pragmatic approach by the RSAF. Operating a fleet of older C-130Bs had become increasingly challenging, with airframes approaching the end of their service lives and maintenance costs rising. By sourcing well-maintained, second-hand C-130Hs, Singapore ensures continuity of tactical airlift, medevac, and logistical operations while avoiding the cost and lead times associated with new-build aircraft.
This is not the first time Singapore has leveraged legacy Western airframes to sustain its operational capacity. Previous RSAF C-130 acquisitions have similarly relied on second-hand aircraft, subsequently upgraded with local avionics, mission systems, and structural refurbishment to extend service life and improve interoperability.
Notably, the incoming aircraft include a KC-130H tanker variant. While Singapore does not routinely operate the C-130 as a dedicated aerial refuelling platform, the presence of a tanker-configured airframe provides additional flexibility for specialised missions or potential future role adaptation.
Overall, the transfer of ex-Spanish Air Force C-130Hs—via storage and resale by Blue Aerospace—highlights a broader global trend. As air forces modernise, surplus but structurally sound aircraft continue to offer cost-effective, low-risk solutions for nations seeking to maintain essential capabilities. For Singapore, these Hercules are set to remain a backbone of airlift operations well into the 2030s.
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