UK Confirms Sale of 12 C-130J Hercules Transport Aircraft to Türkiye

The United Kingdom has formally approved the sale of 12 second-hand C-130J Super Hercules military transport aircraft to Türkiye, the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed, marking a significant step in bilateral defence cooperation between the two NATO allies.

The aircraft transfer is part of a broader UK defence export package and is expected to generate more than £550 million in value for the British defence industry, including aircraft refurbishment, modernization, and long-term support services.

£550 Million Defence Export Package

Luke Pollard, the UK’s Minister of State for Defence Procurement, provided details of the agreement, highlighting its economic and strategic significance. According to Pollard, the deal will safeguard approximately 1,400 skilled jobs in Cambridge, primarily associated with Marshall Aerospace Group, which will play a central role in the aircraft modernization and support process.

Pollard noted that the agreement complements the UK’s wider defence export successes in 2025, a year when British defence exports reached record levels.

“These agreements, including the export of 12 C-130 aircraft to Türkiye, contribute more than £550 million to the UK defence industry and support high-skilled employment,” Pollard said, adding that the sale strengthens NATO’s collective security framework.

Boost to Türkiye’s Military Transport Capability

The acquisition of the C-130J aircraft is expected to significantly enhance Türkiye’s airlift and logistics capabilities. The Super Hercules platform is widely used by NATO members for tactical transport, humanitarian missions, and rapid deployment operations.

Defence analysts say the deal will further reinforce Türkiye’s operational flexibility within NATO missions while modernizing its existing transport fleet.

Long-Term Support Agreement Signed

Alongside the aircraft sale, Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group signed a multi-year support and sustainability agreement with Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defence. The contract covers a broad range of services, including:

• Entry-into-service support

• Scheduled and unscheduled maintenance

• Spare parts supply

• Specialized tooling

• Technical training programs

The long-term nature of the agreement is designed to ensure fleet readiness and operational sustainability over the aircrafts’ service life.

Comprehensive Modernization Program

Before delivery, all 12 C-130J aircraft will undergo a comprehensive modernization process, including the replacement of the center wing box, a critical structural component that extends aircraft service life and improves long-term safety and performance.

UK defence authorities confirmed that all modernization work will be completed before the aircraft enters operational service with the Turkish Air Force.

The resale and technical preparation process has been coordinated with the UK’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organization to ensure compliance with Türkiye’s operational requirements and long-term planning needs.

Strategic Implications

The deal is being viewed as a strategic development within NATO, strengthening interoperability and reinforcing defence industrial ties between the UK and Türkiye amid heightened regional and global security challenges.

With the formal approval now in place, deliveries and modernization work are expected to proceed in phases, in line with the agreed support and refurbishment timeline.