Cambridge, U.K.-based Marshall Aerospace has confirmed the delivery of 12 C-130J Hercules transport aircraft to its facilities for maintenance and modernization.

This work is being carried out under a new multiyear contract signed with the Turkish Air Force. The Turkish Ministry of National Defence disclosed during its weekly press briefing last week that preparations for this process have begun.

**Maintenance and Upgrades:**
Under the agreement, Marshall Aerospace will perform scheduled maintenance, supply spare parts and tooling, and provide training support for the Turkish Air Force. The aircraft will gradually enter service following upgrades and center wing box replacements that will take place in the United Kingdom.

**Future Operations:**
According to the Turkish Ministry of Defence (MoD), the 12 aircraft have been handed over to Marshall Aerospace for overhaul and modernization. Once the work in the UK is completed, these aircraft will be inducted into Turkish service in phases. The ministry also mentioned that future maintenance and sustainment will be conducted domestically after specific training programs.

**Current Fleet:**
The Turkish Air Force currently operates 19 C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft, consisting of six B models and 13 E models. The addition of the new C-130Js aims to rejuvenate the aging Hercules fleet and will complement the Airbus A400M Atlas aircraft for long-range and heavy-lift missions.

**Author Information:**
Cem Devrim Yaylali is the Turkey correspondent for Defense News, with interests in military ships and naval and defense issues. He was born in Paris, France, and now resides in Istanbul, Turkey, where he lives with his wife and one son.