With the delivery of the last upgraded aircraft, the Portuguese Air Force has completed the modernization of its C-130H-30 Hercules tactical transport fleet, following the reception of the fourth and final aircraft refurbished by OGMA (Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal, S.A.). The ceremony, held at Air Base No. 6 in Montijo, marked the conclusion of a program that strengthens the operational capabilities of Squadron 501 “Bisontes” and extends the service life of one of the historic pillars of Portuguese military air transport.
The project, carried out entirely at OGMA’s facilities in Alverca, involved the comprehensive modernization of four C-130H-30 aircraft. The work included structural modifications and an extensive avionics upgrade, featuring the digitalization of cockpit instruments and the integration of new navigation, communication, and flight control systems. These improvements ensure greater operational efficiency and safety, as well as compliance with international air traffic management regulations, aligning the fleet with current standards of modern military aviation.
The modernization program, co-financed with European funds, falls under the SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) project, an initiative aimed at adapting military aircraft to the requirements of European airspace. Its main objectives include the optimization of flight routes, reduction of operating costs, and mitigation of environmental impact. For the Portuguese Air Force, this represents a qualitative leap in terms of interoperability with other NATO forces and the sustainability of both national and international missions.
The completion of this cycle comes after several years of work and delays resulting from budgetary issues and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected the timelines originally planned for 2019 and 2020. The first modernized C-130H-30 was delivered in May 2024, following a demanding technical process that, according to OGMA, required more than 90,000 engineering hours, 53,000 hours of hangar work, 1,000 technical drawings, and the installation of 17 kilometers of wiring per aircraft. These figures highlight the scale of the industrial and technological effort devoted to extending the service life and improving the efficiency of a fleet in operation since 1977.
The Portuguese Air Force emphasized that this project not only enhances operational capability but also strengthens the technological base of the national aeronautical industry, consolidating OGMA as a relevant player within the European defense ecosystem. Cooperation between the company, Air Force maintenance units, and the National Aeronautical Authority proved decisive for the program’s success and for the development of advanced maintenance capabilities within the country.
In parallel, Portugal continues the renewal of its tactical transport fleet with the introduction of the new Embraer KC-390 Millennium aircraft, intended to gradually replace the Hercules. To date, Squadron 506 “Rinocerontes” has received three aircraft, with the fleet expected to reach six units in the coming years. With the completion of the C-130H-30 modernization program and the entry into service of the KC-390, the Portuguese Air Force achieves a balance between proven experience and technological modernity, ensuring the continuity of its transport, search and rescue, and humanitarian support missions both at home and in international operations.
*Images used for illustrative purposes.
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