The Tunisian Air Force has inducted a new C-130H Hercules transport aircraft transferred by the U.S. government, bringing the total to four aircraft of this type received under bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
The transfer ceremony was held at Sidi Ahmed Air Base in Bizerte and was attended by Tunisian and U.S. civilian and military authorities. Notable attendees included the U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia, Bill Bazzi; Tunisia’s Minister of National Defence, Khaled Sehili; the Chief of Staff of the Tunisian Air Force, General Mohammed Hajem; the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs, Kelli Seybolt; and Brigadier General Shawn Holtz, Deputy Director for Strategy, Engagement and Programs at U.S. Africa Command.
Officials in Washington stated that the delivery forms part of a commitment to expand the Tunisian Air Force’s airlift capabilities. Strengthening the fleet will improve the conduct of joint and combined exercises, air transport missions, security operations, and rapid-response deployments in the region. The United States and Tunisia also maintain C-130 cooperation spanning more than four decades, covering operations, training, and logistical sustainment.
In that context, Ambassador Bill Bazzi said: “This aircraft represents another step forward in the long and trusted partnership between the United States and Tunisia. Strengthening Tunisia’s airlift capability reinforces our shared ability to support regional stability, cooperative security efforts and humanitarian assistance.”
The latest transfer follows recent precedents. In June 2024, the United States delivered a C-130H to the Tunisian Air Force during a ceremony at Al Aouina Air Base, with representatives from the U.S. Embassy and Tunisia’s Ministry of Defence in attendance. Later, in November 2024, another C-130H2 aircraft was transferred, expanding the fleet inducted that same year.
The Tunisian Air Force has operated Hercules-family aircraft since the 1980s, initially the C-130B and C-130H variants. In 2010, the fleet was complemented by a contract to acquire two C-130J Super Hercules, making the country the first African operator of the most modern in-production version of the type. Lockheed Martin delivered those aircraft between 2013 and 2015.
In recent years, the Tunisian Air Force’s transport aircraft have been employed in national and international missions. These have included firefighting operations, humanitarian and logistical support, assistance to Libya after flooding, medical support to Turkey following the earthquake, and participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Cover image obtained from the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia
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