Algeria receives C-130J transport aircraft

Algeria received the first of four C-130J-30 transport aircraft (shown here in Royal Canadian Air Force markings) on 23 January. (Lockheed Martin)

The Algerian Air Force has received its first Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules tactical transport aircraft.

The US Embassy in Algiers announced the delivery on 23 January in a post on its official Facebook account, noting that this is the first of four aircraft that Algeria ordered in 2018.

This is the first time that details on the sale of C-130Js to Algeria are made public, with the US Embassy adding that the 2018 contract with Lockheed Martin includes an option for four more aircraft. The contract value remains undisclosed.

The departure of the aircraft from Lockheed Martin facilities in Greenville, South Carolina, was noted by flight tracking providers on 21 January.

Lockheed Martin declined to provide Janes with further comments.

Algeria joins Tunisia as the second operator of the C-130J-30 in North Africa. To date, Lockheed Martin acknowledges 22 countries as Super Hercules operators, with Germany, Indonesia, and New Zealand yet to receive their first aircraft.