Taiwan has announced a significant investment to modernize its fleet of C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, an initiative aimed at enhancing the capabilities of its Air Force in crucial areas such as troop and cargo transport, disaster relief, and maritime search and rescue. The upgrades, estimated to cost around 10 billion New Taiwan dollars ($309 million), are scheduled to start next year and continue through 2030.
The Taiwanese Air Force currently operates a fleet of 19 C-130 aircraft, originally purchased from the United States in the early 1980s. Despite losing one aircraft in a 1997 crash at Taipei Songshan Airport, these planes have been a mainstay for various military and humanitarian missions in Taiwan and the region. Known for their durability and versatility, the C-130s are often described as the “workhorse” of military transport, equipped to handle everything from routine cargo hauls to complex medical evacuations.
The forthcoming upgrades include new integrated cockpit interfaces, advanced global positioning systems, enhanced collision avoidance technology, and modern communication systems. The aircraft will also receive updates to their chassis to more effectively support a range of military operations. Additionally, new counter-electronic warfare equipment is planned to be installed to enhance the aircraft’s defensive capabilities.