Sweden Might Acquire Second-Hand C-130 Js From Italy

The airplane would change the Swedish Air Force’s old C-130 Hs

Sweden is wanting to change its 6 old C-130 Hs (Tp84 according to the Swedish MoD classification) with 4 pre-owned C-130 Js from Italy, as the procurement of the latter has actually been evaluated as a much better alternative than an upgrade program. While this has actually not yet been formally validated from the 2 nations, Air Forces Monthly reported the news after an interview with the Swedish Air Force Chief of Staff.

” We are purchasing the very first 2 from the Italian Air Force, which will be customized at a later phase”, stated Major General Carl-Johan Edström. “We want to get 6 and the 2nd set will likewise originate from Italy. Changing all 6 C-130 Hs with 6 C-130 Js.” It is being reported that the Italian federal government has actually put 6 C-130 s on sale.

Before the choice to entirely change the C-130 H fleet, Sweden has actually been taking a look at methods to update the airplane presently in service. The upgrade program would have minimized the number of the functional airplane for the time being. “We chose not to modernise our C-130 Hs, since it implied the fleet numbers would drop for a number of years while they were away being customized, which would take 6 to 9 months at a time”, stated Major General Edström.

According to AFM‘s interview, the very first 2 airplane may be provided currently next year, while the total replacement of the C-130 H fleet may occur by2025 The acquisition of the C-130 J has actually been evaluated a best option by Major General Edström: “It’s a fantastic choice to choose the C-130 Js. They can satisfy the requirements of the unique forces, army and flying force– it’s the ideal style for the Armed Forces.”

The Aeronautica Militare got 12 C-130 Js and 10 longer C-130 J-30 s, which were provided in between May 2000 and February 2005 and appointed to the 46 ^ Brigata Aerea (Air Brigade) at Pisa-San Giusto airport. Numerous of these airplanes are apparently in storage, with Scramble reporting a minimum of 3 airplane kept in mind saved at Pisa and around 5 airplane at Venice-Tessera airport. The numbers appear to build up with the reports about 6 airplane being up for sale.

Three of the Italian C-130 Js have actually been transformed to KC-130 J tankers, although the Italian Air Force initially got 6 air-to-air refueling packages. Among the 6 Swedish C-130 Hs is a tanker airplane (Tp84 T) that is utilized to keep the Gripen pilotshttps:// theaviationist.com/2018/07/25/ swedish-air-force-jas-39- gripen-c-jet-dropped-gbu-12- bomb-to-cut-forest-fire-near-military-range-in-sweden/ present in the air-to-air refueling credentials. It is uncertain at this time if the airplane will be changed by a KC-130 J or by a basic C-130 J and later on updated with the air-to-air refueling set.