The United States has formally transferred a C-130H military transport aircraft to the Tunisian Air Force in a move that strengthens bilateral defence cooperation and enhances Tunisia’s strategic airlift and humanitarian response capabilities.
The handover ceremony was attended by Ambassador Bazzi, Tunisian Minister of Defense Khaled Sehili and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Air Force for International Affairs Kelli Seybolt. The event marked another milestone in the long-standing security partnership between Washington and Tunis, reflecting shared interests in regional stability, interoperability and defence capacity building.
The C-130H Hercules is a proven multi-role transport aircraft widely used by air forces around the world. Renowned for its reliability, short take-off and landing performance and ability to operate from austere airfields, the aircraft is capable of supporting a wide range of missions. These include tactical airlift, troop and cargo transport, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. Its addition to the Tunisian Air Force fleet is expected to significantly improve air mobility, logistics reach and rapid response capacity across Tunisia and the wider North African region.
The transfer was executed through the Excess Defense Articles programme, administered by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The EDA programme enables the transfer of surplus U.S. defence equipment to allied and partner nations as well as international organisations, allowing recipients to enhance their military capabilities while promoting interoperability with U.S. and allied forces. Equipment provided under the programme is typically supported by associated training, technical assistance and sustainment cooperation to ensure long-term operational effectiveness.
From a strategic perspective, the aircraft transfer reinforces Tunisia’s ability to contribute to regional security initiatives, border protection efforts and multinational operations. Improved airlift capacity also supports civil-military missions, particularly in responding to natural disasters, medical emergencies and humanitarian crises where rapid air transport is critical.
For the United States, the transfer supports broader defence engagement objectives while contributing to the vitality of the U.S. defence industrial base through sustainment and long-term support activities associated with legacy platforms such as the C-130H. The programme reflects Washington’s commitment to working with trusted partners to strengthen defence readiness and resilience without imposing significant financial burdens.
The delivery of the C-130H underscores the enduring defence relationship between the United States and Tunisia and highlights the continued relevance of established transport platforms in meeting modern operational demands. As Tunisia modernises its air force and expands its operational reach, the aircraft is expected to play a central role in both national defence and regional cooperation missions.
