Taiwan Air Force Plans Purchase of 10 U.S.-made C-130J Aircraft

Taiwan plans to buy 10 C-130J transport planes from the U.S. to supplement its aging C-130H fleet, a move that is likely to irk China.

The island’s Air Force had earlier examined upgrading its existing C-130H aircraft with integrated cockpit systems, improved maritime search-and-rescue capabilities, global positioning technology, and collision avoidance systems. This proposal was later dropped due to high costs and operational risks, according to CNA. Older airframes would require structural reinforcement and would still carry reliability concerns even after upgrades.

This prompted the Air Force to make a decision on acquiring 10 C-130J aircraft while limiting the C-130H fleet to basic upgrades. The newer C-130J variants are expected to handle more demanding missions, including night operations, while the older aircraft will be used for routine transport tasks.

The planned aircraft purchase comes as Washington is reportedly preparing a larger arms package for Taiwan that could include Patriot missile systems. According to reports, Beijing has privately warned that such sales could jeopardize U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned state visit to China in April.

Under the Taiwan Relations Act, the U.S. is legally required to provide Taiwan with defensive weapons to support its self-defense capabilities.