The South African Air Force (SAAF), is considering acquiring secondhand Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules transports, being offered by the US Government, to boost its future transport capability.
The air force is studying the costs of upgrading early-model Hercules to extend airframe life. The aircraft on offer are now in desert storage in the USA.
The SAAF has also begun to look at the C-130J Hercules II to supplement its fleet of Hercules and Transall C.160s.
The C.160s had been withdrawn from service, but the air force is now looking to reintroduce the aircraft, to address the emerging regional requirements.
Lockheed Martin says that South African interest in the C-130J is at an early stage.
Source: Flight International
