Egypt announced the 5 september 2024 at the Egypt International Air Show in El Alamein that Lockheed Martin will deliver two C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical airlifters to the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) through a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) with the U.S. Air Force. With this acquisition, Egypt becomes the 23rd nation to join the global community of Super Hercules operators.
The C-130J-30 is recognized as one of the most advanced tactical airlifters in the world, offering enhanced capabilities, increased versatility, and greater power for EAF crews. Egypt already operates one of the largest C-130H fleets globally, playing a critical role in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for military, peacekeeping, humanitarian, and disaster relief missions. By joining seven other operators in the MENA region, Egypt has chosen the C-130J as its preferred medium-sized tactical airlifter and tanker.