A C-130H2 Hercules military transport aircraft entered, free of charge, the service of the Romanian Air Force, through the Excess Defense Articles Program, which allows the US to transfer excess military equipment to friendly and allied countries at low or no cost, the Ministry of National Defence (MApN) informed in a press release sent to AGERPRES on Friday.

The delivery of the C-130H2 Hercules aircraft took place on September 15, and between September 17 and 29, the US Mobile Training Team conducted training at the 90 Air Transport Base together with the Romanian crew, to familiarize them with the new equipment on board the aircraft, MApN states.

Until the end of 2023, Romania will receive one more C-130H2 type aircraft, within the Excess Defense Articles Program.

According to the Romanian Ministry, “the donation of the C-130H2 Hercules plane to the Romanian Air Force is proof of the strong and lasting security cooperation between Romania and the USA and of the joint commitment to regional stability and security”. This fact also proves that “the USA appreciates Romania as a strategic partner and key ally in NATO and supports our country’s efforts to modernize its defense capabilities”.

The C-130H Hercules is a versatile and reliable transport aircraft that can perform a variety of missions such as airlift, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The aircraft will increase Romania’s air transport capabilities and interoperability with NATO allies, especially on the Alliance’s eastern flank.

The Romanian Air Force still has four C-130 B transport aircraft and two C-130 H aircraft (the last received in 2021).

“The C-130H Hercules program is of paramount importance both for the Romanian Air Force and for the Romanian Armed Forces as a whole. The C-130 Hercules aircraft has a rich history, perfected through transport missions starting in 1996, when the C models -130B have been integrated into the transport fleet,” said Commander Emil Tecuceanu, commander of the 90 Air Transport Base, quoted in the press release.

According to him, the 901 Squadron of the Air Force demonstrated without a doubt its courage, effectiveness and invaluable contribution in missions.

Also, the quoted source mentions that “the introduction of the H models, from the US inventory, increases the transport capacity of the Romanian Air Force and leads to an increase in the response capacity, specific characteristics of a modern air force”.