Le Lockheed C-130 Hercules - Vol. III Moyen-Orient

Following our coverage of the air forces of Europe and Africa, this third volume focuses on those of the Middle East.

Regarding the C-130, the first observation is that all countries in the Near East have been equipped with Hercules aircraft, with the exception of two: Syria and Lebanon. More than 200 C-130 Hercules aircraft have been operated by Middle Eastern air forces since the first one was delivered to Iran in 1962. Some countries are recent adopters: Iraq, Bahrain, and Qatar. Two countries stand out in particular: Iran and Saudi Arabia. They were not only the first two to receive C-130s – in 1962 and 1965, respectively – but they are also the largest operators. Israel is the third largest operator of the Hercules in the region, and it is fair to say that Hercules aircraft bearing the Star of David have frequently made headlines. Turkey is the fourth largest user, but its recent purchase of twelve refurbished C-130s will propel it to the top ranks.

In many countries, the trend is to keep older Hercules aircraft in service, aircraft that have often accumulated decades of faithful service but are showing their age despite modernizations. Their replacement is obviously under consideration, but the options are limited.
In this region, which has experienced considerable unrest, American Hercules aircraft have also been frequently deployed, as we describe in this book. The C-130's air transport and humanitarian missions have given way to special operations, leading to increased demand for KC-130J tankers in the region.

The second constant is that the C-130 truly represents the ideal foundation upon which countries in the region can hope to launch industrial activity. The Hercules' career in the Middle East will be long and interesting...