Morocco Advances C-130H Fleet Upgrade With Second Aircraft Sent to US

Agadir – A second C-130H aircraft belonging to the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) has arrived in Waco, Texas, as part of a multi-year modernization program to upgrade Morocco’s military transport fleet.

The aircraft was sent to the United States for work by L3Harris Technologies at the company’s aircraft maintenance and modification facility in Waco, according to Morocco Air Force. 

“The second C-130H aircraft has arrived at Waco Airport as part of the fleet upgrade program. This update is part of a technology partnership with the American company L3-Harris Technologies, a leader in aviation and defense, in accordance with the highest international quality and maintenance standards,” RMAF announced today. 

The arrival marks another step in a modernization program launched under a contract between L3Harris and the RMAF to upgrade multiple Moroccan C-130 aircraft.

L3Harris announced the agreement last year, saying the upgrades would strengthen the RMAF’s ability to maintain its fleet in support of Morocco’s national defense priorities.

Under the contract, L3Harris is carrying out avionics modifications, program depot maintenance, engine overhauls, and other support work. The company said the upgraded fleet would improve aircraft availability for a range of missions, including tactical airlift, humanitarian assistance, and special operations.

“This landmark agreement marks the beginning of a strategic, long-term partnership with the Royal Moroccan Air Force to ensure their fleet is ready for any mission,” Jason Lambert, President of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance at L3Harris, said when the agreement was announced.

“By leveraging our team’s proven avionics expertise, we will deliver scalable modifications to enhance C-130 performance and fleet longevity,” he added.

The company said at the time that work on the Moroccan C-130 fleet would begin in 2025 at its Waco facility and continue through 2029.

The C-130H is a tactical military transport aircraft used for a wide range of missions, including transporting personnel, equipment, and cargo. It also allows for transporting humanitarian and logistical operations.