The Taiwan Air Force has confirmed its plans to acquire 10 C-130J transport aircraft from the United States, according to a report by Defence Blog.
With this, Taiwan has effectively canceled the Taiwushan-3 program, a modernization plan originally intended for its aging fleet of C-130H transporters.
The program aimed to integrate new cockpit interfaces, enhance maritime search and rescue capabilities, add simulators, improve global positioning and reporting systems, and install safety and collision avoidance equipment.
Military officials told Taiwan’s Central News Agency that after a comprehensive review, the Taiwanese Air Force opted to pursue the acquisition of 10 new C-130J aircraft.
According to local media, the decision reflects a cost-based reevaluation of the best way to sustain and modernize its airlift capability, as the existing C-130H aircraft exceeds four decades of service.
If the acquisition proceeds as planned, the air force intends to use a mixed operational model, where the new C-130J aircraft would handle demanding missions such as night operations, while the existing C-130H fleet would be maintained for routine transport tasks after limited domestic upgrades.
The Air Force Command added that it does not comment on specific acquisition plans until the projects complete the formal approval procedures and receive budgetary authorization.
Photo: David S. Calcote. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
