Malaysia has indicated it is considering replacements for its aging Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules transport aircraft, despite longstanding plans to upgrade at least part of the fleet.
General Tan Sri Muhamad Norazlan Aris, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief, said in June that the service was assessing future transport aircraft requirements as part of its long-term capability recapitalisation plans.
“Yes, it’s a good aircraft, but when the time comes that we need to change, sometimes it’s better to replace rather than continue maintaining old aircraft,” Norazlan told media.
Local newspaper New Straits Times then reported in September that the C-130J and Embraer C-390 are among the aircraft being discussed as potential replacements.
“The eventual successor to the C-130 should have a similar carrying capacity. We know that’s the capacity we need most of the time. Not too big and not too small. Just the right size,” Norazlan said.
He added, “Extending the lifespan of an aircraft is possible through intensive maintenance, but the question is, how far do you want to extend it?”
This statement is noteworthy, as efforts to upgrade the RMAF’s fleet of 14 C-130Hs have been pursued over the past two decades.
In 2014, local maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) company Airod was reportedly awarded a letter of intent to upgrade the fleet’s avionics and communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management systems.
However, the programme did not proceed for several reasons, reportedly including disagreements over the choice of international partner.
More recently, in August 2024, an international tender was issued to upgrade six C-130Hs, with an estimated project cost of RM278 million (US$68 million).
According to Malaysian defence analyst Marhalim Abas, writing on his Malaysian Defence website, two foreign bidders were subsequently shortlisted. He noted in June 2026 that Canadian MRO company Cascade Aerospace was among the two shortlisted bidders. However, a requirement for the work to be performed in Malaysia could see the successful bidder partnering with Airod to carry out the upgrade.
As such, it remains unclear whether the RMAF will acquire new transport aircraft, proceed with the C-130H upgrade programme, or pursue both options, as the current upgrade project only covers six aircraft.
The RMAF received 15 C-130Hs in four batches, of which 14 remain in the fleet. The oldest five aircraft were delivered from 1976 onwards, making them up to 50 years old. The six youngest aircraft comprise one delivered around 1990 and five around 1995. These aircraft could be prioritised for the upgrade programme.
It is also worth noting that the RMAF’s Capability Development Plan 2055, unveiled in 2018 and setting out its long-term modernisation plans through to 2055, calls for the C-130H fleet to remain in service until 2040.
If this plan is followed through, it would reinforce the case for upgrading the C-130H to keep the aircraft in service for at least another decade and a half.
Should Malaysia also choose to acquire a new transport aircraft, the C-130J would offer some commonality with the existing fleet in terms of infrastructure and support. However, the C-130H and C-130J variants are separated by a generation of technological advancements.
Cost could also be a significant obstacle, as new C-130Js do not come cheap. For reference, the latest major international order for the type is Australia’s 2023 procurement of 20 stretched C-130J-30s for A$9.8 billion (US$6.6 billion).
This figure, though, is understood to include specialised communications equipment, sensors and self-defence systems beyond the standard aircraft configuration.
Apart from the C-130H, the RMAF also operates four Airbus A400M airlifters and seven PTDI CN-235 light transport aircraft, of which three have been converted for maritime surveillance.
by Roy Choo
