The Israel Defense Forces will be receiving another three Super Hercules transport planes by the end of the year, supplementing the three aircraft it already has at its Nevatim airbase in the southern part of the country.
In 2014, Haaretz reported that the Israel Air Force had reached agreement to buy one additional Hercules and was considering buying three. The planes, which each cost $75 million and are dubbed Shimshon – Samson – in Hebrew, are being purchased by the Defense Ministry as part of the financial aid allocation provided to Israel by the Americans.
The new and improved Super Hercules is considered particularly well suited for special air force missions. It can carry heavier cargo than previous Hercules models and can fly at lower altitudes. It can carry 128 passengers or four motor vehicles and, in a different configuration, can accommodate 92 parachutists or 97 stretchers.