Article Posted on : - Apr 10, 2013

C-130J Super Hercules. A file photo.

MARIETTA, GEORGIA (BNS): The Republic of Tunisia has taken delivery of the first C-130J Super Hercules.

US defence major Lockheed Martin signed a contract in 2010 with Tunisia to deliver two C-130Js between 2013 and 2014, in addition to providing training and an initial three years of logistics support, a company statement said.

The Super Hercules for Tunisia is the longer fuselage or 'stretched' variant of the aircraft.

The Tunisian Air Force currently operates a fleet of C-130Hs and C-130Bs, first purchased in the mid-1980s. The new C-130Js will support Tunisian operations across the mission spectrum, including relief efforts around the world, fire fighting and traditional airlift sorties.

In addition to Tunisia, other nations that are operating or have ordered the C-130J include Australia, Canada, Denmark, India, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Kuwait, Norway, Oman, Republic of Korea, Qatar, the United Kingdom and the United States.