Singapore acquires former Spanish Air Force C-130H Hercules transport aircraft
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is renewing part of its tactical airlift fleet by acquiring second-hand Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules transport aircraft. These aircraft are being introduced to replace the ageing KC-130B models, some of which have been in service for nearly 60 years.
The decision was confirmed by RSAF Chief, Major General Kelvin Fan, in media remarks ahead of the Singapore Airshow 2026. He noted that the C-130 continues to offer the best balance of capability, familiarity, and cost for Singapore’s transport requirements over the next 15-20 years.
Open-source tracking and reporting indicate that the aircraft being delivered to Singapore are former Ejército del Aire y del Espacio (EdAE, Spanish Air and Space Force) C-130H airframes. These were acquired by a US dealer, Blue Aerospace, after Spain retired its Hercules fleet in 2020.
The airframes were built between the mid-1970s and early 1980s and have accumulated approximately 16.000 to 19.000 flight hours. They previously received avionics upgrades, including digital 'glass cockpit' modifications.
Four Spanish Air and Space Force aircraft were purchased by Blue Aerospace: C-130H-30 N977BA (ex TL.10-01, c/n 382-5003), KC-130H N973BA (ex TK.10-07, c/n 382-4652), and C-130H aircraft N974BA (ex T.10-08, c/n 382-4835) and N975BA (ex T.10-09, c/n 382-4836).
Aircraft N973BA, N974BA, and N977BA have been tracked arriving in Singapore, with some registrations subsequently cancelled following transfer, strongly indicating a change of ownership. The fourth aircraft is expected to follow. According to open-source tracking data, N973BA arrived at Paya Lebar on 21 January 2026, N974BA on 11 December 2025, and N977BA on 30 January 2026. N975BA was flown to Jordan, arriving on 17 December 2025.
These used C-130H Hercules aircraft will enable the RSAF to retire four older KC-130B aircraft while sustaining its tactical airlift, personnel transport, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and logistics missions.
Credit photo: Mike Yeo (@TheBaseLeg on X)