The Israeli air force is preparing to upgrade part of its Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules fleet to maintain its capability until funding can be made available for a C-130J purchase.
The air force operates 11C-130Hs and 12 C-130Es, but it is becoming difficult to maintain the C-130Es and there have been attempts to sell some aircraft.
The upgrade will include structural work and the installation of a glass cockpit. Industry sources say Boeing, Elbit Systems, Israel Aircraft Industries and Lockheed Martin will compete.
The Israeli companies may co-operate with the US firms to allow the programme to be financed using US foreign military sales funds. IAI recently won a $10 million contract to upgrade Turkish air force C-130s.
Source: Flight International
