Taiwan’s Air Force is moving forward with plans to acquire 10 new C-130J transport aircraft from the United States, abandoning a previously planned upgrade of its aging C-130H fleet, according to reporting by Taiwan’s Central News Agency.
玄史生, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The decision marks a strategic shift for Taiwan’s military airlift capabilities. Instead of modernizing its existing fleet through the “Tawu Mountain III” upgrade program, the Air Force will operate a mixed force of new and older aircraft, with each type assigned different operational roles.
Military officials told CNA that cost considerations drove the change in plans. The original upgrade would have required expensive software modifications and structural reinforcement of airframes that are more than four decades old. The first batch of Taiwan’s C-130H aircraft entered service in 1984, making them over 40 years old. Taiwan currently operates 19 C-130H transport planes and one C-130HE signals intelligence variant known as the “Pharaoh”. The fleet was originally 20 strong, but one aircraft was lost in an accident in 1997.
Under the new approach, the Air Force will use the more capable C-130J models for demanding missions such as nighttime operations, while the older H-models will handle routine peacetime logistics after receiving basic upgrades from domestic contractors. Officials described this as a “high-low mix” strategy that maximizes operational efficiency while managing costs.
The Air Force Command responded to questions about the purchase with a standard statement, saying equipment requirements are based on threat assessments and operational needs. Following established protocol, the command declined to comment on specific procurement plans until the formal budgeting process is complete and funding is secured.
The C-130J purchase would enhance Taiwan’s ability to conduct both military operations and humanitarian missions in all weather conditions. The improved survivability features of the newer aircraft are particularly relevant for operations in contested or high-risk environments.
Taiwan has not announced a timeline for the procurement or disclosed the estimated cost. The purchase will require approval through the island’s legislative budget process before moving forward.
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