US Air Force delivers second C-130H Hercules aircraft to Niger.

According to information published by the U.S. Department of Defense on December 10, 2021, U.S. Air Forces in Europe–Air Forces Africa delivered a second U.S. Air Force C-130H Hercules, formally transferred to the Nigerien armed forces during ceremony at the Nigerien Air Base 101 in Niamey.

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C-130H Hercules military transport aircraft (Picture source: US DoD)

The delivery marks the enduring commitment of the U.S. Air Force to support continued humanitarian operations and counter violent extremist organizations missions throughout the Sahel alongside Nigerien air force partners.

Niger received the first of the three scheduled C-130 aircraft deliveries by the U.S. in January 2021, and has employed the mobility platform for various humanitarian assistance operations and United Nations troop and vehicle movements.

Since 2013, the U.S. has partnered with the Niger air force, matching millions of dollars, to revitalize its C-130 program. Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas’ C-130 Formal Training Unit provided an international pilot training program, which graduated the first Nigerien female pilot and educated other pilots in the program.

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is an American four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed (now Lockheed Martin). Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medevac, and cargo transport aircraft. 

It can carry 92 fully armed men, while for airborne operations 64 paratroops can be dispatched in two simultaneous "sticks" through the fuselage side doors.