Aviation News – Taiwan has decided to purchase 10 Lockheed Martin C-130J transport aircraft from the United States, abandoning plans to upgrade its older C-130H fleet, citing high modernization costs and long-term operational efficiency.
The decision was reported on February 9, 2026, by Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA), referencing the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF). Plans to upgrade the existing C-130Hs under the program known as “Taimushan No. 3” were shelved after officials concluded the investment would be too costly relative to the aircrafts’ remaining service life. Instead, authorities opted to acquire 10 new C-130J Super Hercules airlifters and operate them alongside part of the current fleet.
The C-130J is the latest and most advanced version of the long-running Hercules transport platform, featuring modern avionics, more efficient engines, and improved payload capacity. Compared with the older H-models, the aircraft offers lower maintenance demands, greater reliability, longer range, and reduced crew workload, allowing Taiwan to enhance logistics support, disaster relief operations, and rapid military mobility across the region.
Photo Rob Vogelaar