Tunisia’s C-130 aircraft set for major upgrade
Tunisia received its first two C-130J-30s in 2013 and 2015. (Photo: USAF)
More than 300 C-130Js have been delivered worldwide, with more than 200 in service with US forces. Countries have been searching for upgrades with Norway this week receiving its first of type upgraded to new standard.
Honeywell and ST Engineering Defence Aviation Services (STEDAS) have been selected for a major upgrade of the Tunisian Air Force’s (TAF’s) two C-130J-30 tactical transport aircraft.
The work will entail a new cockpit and mechanical component upgrades for the aircraft and will be the first integration of a Honeywell Aerospace Technologies solution by STEDAS.
The TAF has chosen Honeywell’s Cockpit Display System Retrofit (CDSR) glass cockpit solution, which provides various high-tech upgrades compared with legacy C-130 systems.
The CDSR solution, available in three-display and five-display options with large format LCD displays, flight controls, air data and altitude censors, has been designed to meet sustainability and modernisation needs.
Major improvements will include digital instruments, a multi-functional display and an array of peripherals such as the RDR7000 weather radar, a Traffic Collision Avoidance System and advanced flight controls.
The retrofits have been designed to provide TAF pilots and flight crew with improved safety, better flexibility and efficiency, and easier maintenance. Enhancements will be targeted in enhanced situational awareness, strategic route planning, streamlined crew interactions and reduced workloads.
In 2010, Tunisia ordered two C-130J-30 and received the first in April 2013 – the first-ever delivery of C-130J-30 on the continent – while the second arrived in January 2015.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Bundeswehr launches loitering munition spending spree with $2.16 billion unassigned]()
Bundeswehr launches loitering munition spending spree with $2.16 billion unassigned
After months of delays, Rheinmetall has inked a €300 million deal with Germany for its FV-014 drone this week as part of a wider framework contract worth €2.4 billion for loitering munition procurement. Shephard looks at how the as-yet-unawarded funds could be spent.
-
![FY2027 budget request highlights shift in USAF’s future aerial refuelling priorities]()
FY2027 budget request highlights shift in USAF’s future aerial refuelling priorities
The USAF’s Next-Generation Aerial Refuelling Programme is coming under scrutiny in the wake of the Pentagon’s FY2027 budget request, signalling a change in how the force could prioritise the modernisation of its tanker fleet.
-
![Industry makes strides on CCA programme as USAF makes nearly $1 billion funding request]()
Industry makes strides on CCA programme as USAF makes nearly $1 billion funding request
Anduril’s YFQ-44A has successfully undergone USAF experimental testing for Increment 1, while an engine has officially been selected for Northrop Grumman’s YFQ-48A – a potential candidate for Increment 2 of the air force’s CCA programme.
-
![Australia’s revised defence investment plan: what it means for air warfare]()
Australia’s revised defence investment plan: what it means for air warfare
The Australian government’s 2026 National Defence Strategy has unveiled a major spending uplift planned for the Royal Australian Air Force, focused on upgrading its air combat and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as upping investment in uncrewed aerial systems.
-
![What does the FY2027 US budget signal for the country’s future airpower plans?]()
What does the FY2027 US budget signal for the country’s future airpower plans?
The record-breaking defence budget request focuses on bolstering some core next-generation aircraft programmes across each domain, although questions remain on the US's commitment to some key defence programmes.
