Lockheed Martin delivered the first C-130J Super Hercules to the Republic of Tunisia recently, marking the first delivery to an African country. Lockheed Martin signed a contract in 2010 with Tunisia to deliver two C-130Js between 2013 and 2014, in addition to providing training and an initial three years of logistics support.

“Again we see a nation recapitalising its airlift resources with the proven, unequalled C-130J,” said George Shultz, Vice President and General Manager of C-130 programmes at Lockheed Martin.

Tunisia’s two Super Hercules are the longer fuselage or “stretched” variant of the aircraft. The Tunisian Air Force currently operates a fleet of C-130Hs and C-130Bs, first purchased in the mid-1980s. The new C-130Js will support Tunisian operations across the mission spectrum, including relief efforts around the world, firefighting and traditional airlift sorties.

In addition to Tunisia, other nations that are operating or have ordered the C-130J include Australia, Canada, Denmark, India, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Kuwait, Norway, Oman, Republic of Korea, Qatar, the United Kingdom and the United States.