Taiwan confirms plan to buy 10 C-130J airlifters

Taiwan’s Republic of China Air Force has confirmed plans to procure 10 C-130J transport aircraft from the United States, canceling a previously planned upgrade program for its aging C-130H fleet.

According to local media, the decision reflects a cost-based reassessment of how best to sustain and modernize its airlift capability as existing C-130H aircraft exceed four decades of service. The new aircraft would be operated alongside older models under a mixed fleet approach, with different mission profiles assigned to each type.

Taiwan originally planned to pursue a performance upgrade program for its C-130H transports under a project known as “Taiwushan-3.” The upgrade was intended to integrate new cockpit interfaces, enhance maritime search and rescue capability, add simulators, improve global positioning and reporting systems, and install safety and collision-avoidance equipment. That program has now been formally canceled.

Military officials told Taiwan’s Central News Agency that the cancellation was driven by cost considerations. The officials said software upgrade expenses were high, structural reinforcement of the airframes would be required, and continued operation of older aircraft carried increasing risk. After a comprehensive review, the air force opted to pursue the acquisition of 10 new C-130J aircraft instead.

If the procurement proceeds as planned, the air force intends to use a “high-low mix” operational model. Under this approach, the newer C-130J aircraft would handle demanding missions such as night operations, while the existing C-130H fleet would be retained for routine transport tasks following limited domestic upgrades.

The Republic of China Air Force currently operates 19 C-130H aircraft, following the loss of one aircraft in an accident. The first batch of 12 C-130H transports entered service in 1984 and has remained in operation for more than 40 years, making them among the oldest aircraft in Taiwan’s inventory.

In a statement, the Air Force Command said its equipment requirements are based on assessments of future threat conditions and the current status of its fleet, with the goal of building forces suitable for defensive operations. The service added that it does not comment on specific procurement plans before projects complete formal approval procedures and receive budget authorization.

The C-130J is the latest variant of the Hercules transport family and features more powerful engines, a fully digital cockpit, and reduced crew requirements compared with earlier models. The aircraft offers improved range, payload, and takeoff and landing performance, including operations from shorter runways.

Taiwanese defense analyst Su Tzu-yun said the C-130J’s digital cockpit and stronger engines allow faster and safer logistics operations. He said pairing the newer J-model aircraft with upgraded H-models reflects a more systematic approach to equipment management that balances operational capability with sustainment demands.

The air force also noted that the C-130J offers greater tactical flexibility in threat environments, including improved maneuverability during avoidance or emergency situations. These characteristics support all-weather transport missions and humanitarian assistance tasks.