A400M Gains Momentum as a Potential Choice for the Chilean Air Force

The Airbus A400M Atlas is increasingly being positioned as a strong candidate to replace the aging Lockheed C-130 Hercules fleet of the Chilean Air Force. While no formal procurement process has been launched, recent developments suggest that the European airlifter is gaining visibility in Santiago.

A key moment came during FIDAE 2026, where an aircraft from the Spanish Air and Space Force was deployed as part of the event. Such presence is rarely incidental. In export campaigns, live demonstrations play a central role in showcasing operational capability to potential customers.

Chile faces a familiar challenge. Its C-130H fleet, partly acquired second-hand, is aging and increasingly difficult to sustain. Some airframes are approaching or exceeding five decades of service, creating pressure to identify a modern replacement capable of maintaining reliable airlift capacity across the country’s vast and demanding geography.

In this context, the A400M offers a compelling profile. It combines tactical and strategic transport capabilities, with higher payload, longer range and greater speed than legacy platforms. Its ability to operate from semi-prepared runways and in extreme climates aligns well with Chile’s operational requirements, including long-distance deployments and Antarctic support missions.

Spain’s role is also relevant. As one of the main operators of the A400M, the Spanish Air and Space Force provides a practical example of the aircraft in service within a NATO framework. The presence of a Spanish aircraft in Chile highlights not only operational maturity, but also Europe’s broader effort to promote the platform in international markets.

However, the path to a decision remains open. The A400M faces strong competition from platforms such as the Embraer C-390 Millennium and the latest variants of the Hercules. Cost, fleet size and long-term sustainment will all weigh heavily in any future Chilean decision.

For now, there is no official confirmation of a procurement program. But the signals are clear. Airbus is actively campaigning, Chile has a growing need, and the A400M is positioning itself as a serious option.

Greece Eyes Embraer C-390 as C-130 Replacement

Greece is moving forward with plans to renew its tactical airlift fleet, and the Embraer C-390 Millennium has emerged as a leading candidate. The aircraft is being considered as a replacement for the aging Lockheed C-130 Hercules currently in service with the Hellenic Air Force.

The need is pressing. Greece operates a fleet of C-130H aircraft that has suffered from low availability for years, with only a small number of airframes fully operational at any given time. This has created a clear capability gap in airlift, pushing Athens to look for a modern and more reliable solution.

Within this context, the C-390 has been included in Greece’s long-term defence planning. Initial discussions point to a small acquisition—around three aircraft—with the possibility of expansion later. There is no contract yet, but the program is active and under evaluation.

The Brazilian aircraft brings a different profile compared to traditional options. It offers higher speed, modern systems and competitive operating costs, positioning itself as a strong alternative to legacy platforms. It also reflects a broader shift, as several European operators have already selected the C-390 to replace older transport fleets.

The main competitor remains the latest version of the Hercules, but the balance is no longer one-sided. The C-390 is gaining ground as a viable NATO-compatible transport, particularly for countries looking to rebuild capacity quickly without committing to long and expensive upgrade cycles.

For Greece, the decision is less about ambition and more about necessity. The current fleet can no longer guarantee consistent availability, and delays only increase the operational risk.

Singapore Bolsters Airlift Fleet with Legacy Ex Spanish Air Force C-130 Hercules Acquisitions

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.

Saudi Arabia Plans Acquisition of 33 C-390 Millennium Aircraft to Replace Aging C-130 Hercules Fleet

In a milestone that signals a new chapter in bilateral cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Brazil in defense and security, Saudi Arabia's SAMI Investment Fund has initiated negotiations to acquire up to 33 Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft. This ambitious project will also encompass establishing comprehensive personnel training and maintenance capacity for Embraer aircraft throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SAMI, Saudi Arabia's defense and security enterprise, and Embraer, the Brazilian aviation giant, aims to expand both companies' operational presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The primary focus will be to promote the capabilities of the C-390 Millennium aircraft and provide support to the kingdom's Ministry of Defense.

A key aspect of the agreement is the establishment of comprehensive maintenance capacity for Embraer aircraft within the Kingdom. This not only ensures the optimal performance of the C-390 Millennium fleet but also supports Saudi Arabia's endeavors towards defense self-sufficiency, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.

Engineer Walid A. Abukhaled, CEO of SAMI, emphasized the significance of the agreement, stating: "It is another significant step in SAMI's efforts to support Saudi Vision 2030 in strengthening the Kingdom's defense self-sufficiency and contributing to localizing 50% of defense spending in the Kingdom by 2030."

Moreover, the agreement entails exploring the possibility of establishing a regional Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center, as well as an exclusive Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the Embraer C-390 Millennium. This initiative not only solidifies Embraer's presence in the region but also serves as a platform for integrating specific mission systems for Saudi aircraft and potential clients in the region.

The strategic timing of this agreement is notable as Saudi Arabia assesses the replacement of its older fleet of 33 C-130H Hercules aircraft, with the Embraer C-390 Millennium emerging as a potential candidate for this replacement. This step could mark a significant milestone for the C-390 program, which has been gaining momentum in the international market.

The collaboration between SAMI and Embraer not only strengthens ties between Saudi Arabia and Brazil in the aerospace industry but also aims to bolster Saudi Arabia's self-reliance and defensive capability in line with its long-term strategic objectives.

Three USAF C-130 Aircraft Have Been Transferred to Royal Jordanian Air Force.

The Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF), U.S. Air Force (USAF), and the U.S. Embassy in Jordan celebrated the transfer of three C-130 transport aircraft from USAF to RJAF.  

RJAF has received two of the C-130 aircraft since September, with the third scheduled for delivery in January. The C-130 Ramp-to-Ramp (R2R) transfer program is the first USAF program to transfer fully active and functional assets to key security partners.

The three aircraft have received recent equipment updates and upgraded interoperable avionics and are being integrated now into the RJAF fleet. 

RJAF has been flying C-130s for over 50 years. The C-130 fleet supports the Jordanian Armed Forces through airdropping equipment, paratroopers, and cargo, non-military roles including support for disaster relief, humanitarian missions, and medical evacuation missions.  Last year, within days of the tragic explosion in Beirut, Jordanian C-130s were in the air delivering essential supplies to assist the Lebanese people. The RJAF Airlift Wing often deploy C-130s and Jordanian troops in support of UN and coalition operations in Africa and other regions. In follow up to the C-130 transfer, the USAF Mobile Training Team will provide basic and advanced training of Jordanian aircrew and maintenance crews, in line with the U.S. vision to provide a total package approach to capacity building for key security partners. 

usembassy

ROYAL BAHRAINI AIR FORCE RECEIVES FIRST HERCULES C-130J

Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group has delivered the first Royal Bahraini Air Force C-130J aircraft.
The Bahrain Defence Force recently purchased two Royal Air Force C-130J aircraft from the UK Ministry of Defence and contracted Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group to carry out depth maintenance, ensure entry into service and provide elements of an initial operational capability set up.
After completing a depth maintenance inspection in Cambridge, United Kingdom, which included some minor modifications and a full aircraft repaint, #702 was delivered to the customer. It is anticipated that the aircraft could attend the prestigious Bahrain Air Show on the 14th November 2018.
marshalladg

Germany to buy six C-130 Hercules

Germany’s armed forces will spend almost 970 million euros ($1.14 billion) buying six C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, which in contrast to the A400M from Airbus can land on smaller, more rocky landing strips.
The budget committee of the Bundestag lower house of parliament gave the green light for the procurement of the machines from U.S.
The package includes the procurement of spare parts, maintenance of the aircraft in the first three years and the initial training of technical and aviation personnel.
The C-130 Hercules will stationed in Evreux in Normandy where France already operates the same type of aircraft.
Germany sharply curtailed military spending after the end of the Cold War, but began boosting spending again after Russia’s annexation of the Crimea region of Ukraine in 2014.
A report this year found missing spare parts and quality defects mean less than half of Germany’s submarines, warplanes and some other key weapons are ready for use.
reuters

Germany To Acquire 6 C-130J Super Hercules

The US State Department approved the sale of six Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules transport and tanker aircraft to Germany for an estimated $1.4 billion, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.
The approval comes as the aircraft’s larger European competitor, Airbus Defence & Space’s A400M transport aircraft, has struggled with production issues and has ramped down its delivery rate. Germany is a launch customer for the A400M, along with European NATO nations Spain, Belgium, Britain, France, Luxembourg and Turkey.
Lockheed Martin’s potential sale includes three C-130J-30s, the stretch version of the aircraft, and three KC-130Js, the aerial refueling version of the aircraft.
flightglobal

France receives first C-130J transport

France's first Lockheed Martin C-130J was delivered to its Orléans air base on 22 December 2017.
Carrying the service registration 61-PO, the tactical transport is the first of four C-130Js being acquired by Paris. Its second airlifter will be received later this year, while a pair of KC-130J tanker/transports – needed to refuel combat helicopters in-flight – are to follow during 2019.
The first delivery followed the approval of type certification for the new-generation Hercules by France's DGA defence procurement agency, under a procurement approved in January 2016.
flightglobal

Italian F-35 Makes First Transatlantic Crossing

An Italian Air Force F-35 completed the fighter jet’s first transatlantic crossing Friday, a historic event that kicks off a landmark year for the international program.
The aircraft, an Italian Air Force F-35A dubbed AL-1, touched down here Feb. 5 after a seven-hour flight from Lajes Air Base, Portugal. The plane, which began its journey from Cameri Air Base in Italy, on Tuesday, was scheduled to arrive here on Wednesday, but was delayed due to weather and maintenance issues.
Despite a turbulent flight with headwinds of 120 knots, the plane performed well during both legs of the journey. The F-35, which flew with two C-130s, a Eurofighter Typhoon and two Italian tankers, required three aerial refuelings on the trip from Cameri to Lajes, and another four on the final leg.
The event marks two firsts for the program – AL-1 is not only the first F-35 ever to cross the Atlantic Ocean, but it is also the first F-35 built overseas, at the Cameri Final Assembly and Check-Out facility.
defensenews

France to buy four C-130J Hercules due to A400M Delays

France said on Friday it would buy four C130 Hercules military transport planes from U.S. weapons maker Lockheed-Martin due to problems with European planemaker Airbus's A400M.
A Defense Ministry source had said in May that France had penciled several hundreds of millions of euros into its latest defense budget for the possible purchase of those four planes and would make a decision by year-end.
"I confirmed the purchase a few days ago," Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said during a visit to a military base in Jordan from which French jets are carrying out strikes on Islamic State targets in Syria.
The delivery of the C130s could start in 2017, a French military source said.
Le Drian did not go into details over issues with the A400M.
In July, Airbus Group had told buyer nations of the A400M transporter aircraft, which has been developed for seven European NATO nations, that it would not deliver all of its high-tech defenses according to plan.
An A400M crashed during a test flight in May.
reuters

USAF A-10s and C-130s destroy Islamic State fuel trucks

The Defense Department on Wednesday evening released video of a series of airstrikes targeting fuel trucks operated by the Islamic State group.
The Pentagon video — which refers to the Islamic State group as "Daesh," a derogatory Arabic term for the militant group — said the strikes took place Monday near Abu Kamal, Syria, as part of Operation Inherent Resolve.
The strikes destroyed 116 tanker trucks.
"This is our first strike against tanker trucks, and to minimize risks to civilians, we conducted a leaflet drop prior to the strike," spokeperson said.
airforcetimes

France requests extra C-130s from US

The DSCA announced on November 10 that the State Department had approved a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to France of four C-130 Hercules transport aircraft for an estimated cost of USD650 million.
The sale includes two C-130J transport and two KC-130J tanker/transport aircraft.
The French air force is requesting the four aircraft to supplement its fast aging C160 Transall fleet, delays to the Airbus A400M transport aircraft and the low availability of its current fleet of 14 C-130H fleet, which have an average age of 27.
janes

Chile takes delivery of first of two stop-gap C-130s

The Chilean Air Force (FACh) took delivery of a Lockheed Martin KC-130R Hercules in mid-April.
The KC-130R is a former USMC aircraft offered by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency as an Excess Defense Article (EDA) in September 2012 at the symbolic price of USD700,000.
A second KC-130R was offered in August 2013 and is also expected to be delivered in 2015. When both KC-130Rs are delivered they will increase Group No 10's active fleet to five, since there are currently two C-130Hs and one C-130B in service.
The FACh has sought to augment its currently depleted C-130 Hercules fleet as a stop-gap measure since procurement of a new medium transport aircraft has been shelved for some years.
janes

Sagem looks to arm French C-130s with AASM

Sagem is preparing to offer an armed upgrade package for the French Air Force'sC-130 Hercules transport aircraft.
The upgrade would include arming the Hercules with the SSA-1101 Gerfaut system, allowing the C-130 to carry and deploy as many as eight Sagem AASM (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire) precision guided munitions (PGMs).
janes

Nigerian Air Force receiving additional Alpha Jets

The Nigerian Air Force has acquired at least two second hand Alpha Jet aircraft as it continues to expand its aerial fleet.
One of the jets was seen passing through the United Kingdom on 25 March, having travelled from the United States via Iceland. It then continued to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, on its way to Nigeria.
It was flown by Air USA Inc, which specialises in military air combat readiness training and flies Hawks, Alpha Jets, MiG-29s and L-59 Super Albatroses. The Alpha Jet seen transiting the UK was cancelled from the United States register on 19 March together with a second Alpha Jet, both originally flown by the Luftwaffe before operating in the States.
The delivery status of the second aircraft is unclear. It is also not clear if the two Alpha Jets are attrition replacements or part of a larger batch being acquired by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Air USA Alpha Jets were converted for night vision goggle (NVG) operations, according to the company, and flight certified for operational use of TER, IMER and SUU-20 bomb racks.
Nigerian Alpha Jets have been used in the ground attack role to strike Boko Haram targets and a couple have been lost on operations.
The NAF has recently reactivated a number of its Alpha Jets. A total of 24 were acquired in the 1980s but several have been lost in crashes. Apparently 11 have been made flyable again.
In addition to refurbishing some of its existing aircraft such as the Alpha Jets, L-39s, Super Pumas and C-130s, the NAF is also acquiring additional platforms. For instance, it recently inducted Gazelle helicopters, which are believed to have entered service in February this year.
Three Beechcraft King Air 350i light transport aircraft were delivered in August last year, together with two AgustaWestland AW101 VIP transport helicopters. The NAF is also acquiring six Mi-35M attack helicopters and 12 armed Mi-171Sh helicopters, which were ordered in August 2014.
defenceweb

SAAF looking at C-130, KC-390, C-295 and C-27J for airlift

South Africa National Defence Force has its eyes on two possible types to replace its ageing C-130BZ fleet.
SAAF is considering the C-130 or the KC-390 and the C-27J or C-295 to replace the C-47TP and probably also the C-212. .
defenceweb

USAF Threatens Cuts Over C-130 Upgrades

USAF acquisition head, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Requirements attempted to lay out the case for moving on during the hearing, arguing that the fleet would be best served to focus on meeting the FAA requirement first before trying to do the larger upgrade program.
If AMP is not reworked, parts of the C-130 fleet would be unable to fly domestically without obtaining a series of waivers.
Among the upgrades for compliance are new radios, the addition of a digital flight recorder and an enhanced air traffic alert system. Tthe upgrades could be managed for about $2.5 million a plane.
gannett-cdn

Portugal approves F-16, Hercules Upgrade

Portugal approved its military programming law for the next 12 years on 22 January, although the plan to complete this in 2026 will be reviewed every four years
The air force's 30 F-16AM/BM Fighting Falcon fighters will receive further software upgrades and its six C-130H Hercules transport aircraft will be modernised to extend the type's service life until 2030. These transports will be eventually replaced by Embraer KC-390s after Portugal firmed up a letter of intent with Brazil for six aircraft in September 2010.
These measures are leading a deep structural and equipment modernisation plan for Portugal and come after the country exited a three-year EU-IMF economic adjustment programme in June 2014.
janes

Philippines to buy two C-130 transport planes from US Navy

The Philippine military yesterday signed a pact with the US Navy to buy two secondhand C-130 transport planes to boost its capability to fan out quickly for territorial defence and humanitarian operations.
Washington has been helping develop the military capability of its former colony in the face of serious security challenges in the South China Sea, as China steps up its presence in disputed areas.
China claims almost all of the sea, believed to be rich in mineral and oil-and-gas deposits.
Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines also have claims on the waters.
The transport planes, to be delivered early next year, will take to five the number of mission-ready C-130s.
gulf-times