South Africa upgrades ageing C-130s for a second time
Marshall will initially modify one South African C-130, replacing the existing Secondary Flight Display (SFD) among other upgrades. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
Marshall Aerospace has secured a contract to perform two modifications and extensive servicing on the South African Air Force’s (SAAF) 1960s-vintage C-130 fleet, as well as supporting subsequent in-country modification work.
Marshall previously led a multi-year upgrade programme for the SAAF C-130 fleet roughly 20 years ago.
The programme entailed installation of a digital autopilot, flight displays, a navigation systems upgrade, communications and self-defence integration, and enhancements to the electrical generation system.
Since completion of these upgrades, in-country maintenance of the fleet has been performed by Denel (a state-owned maintenance, repair and overhaul facility).
Marshall will initially modify one aircraft, replacing the existing Secondary Flight Display (SFD) and implementing an Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast – Out (ADSB-Out) – an internationally required system for determining and periodically broadcasting the aircraft’s location without the use of ground-based interrogation signals.
Following testing and verification of these modifications on the first aircraft, Marshall will also supply Denel with service bulletin kits containing all parts, components and instructions needed to perform the same modifications on four additional C-130 aircraft in South Africa.
Marshall will also train Denel and SAAF technicians on the modification implementation processes. Under the new contract, Marshall will also perform depth maintenance, which will involve comprehensive inspections, repairs, and rectification.
The first of the SAAF aircraft arrived at Cambridge, UK on Friday 11 August ahead of modification work.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Nuclear “Manhattan Project-type endeavour” plausible for AI advancement, says UK Chief of Defence Staff]()
Nuclear “Manhattan Project-type endeavour” plausible for AI advancement, says UK Chief of Defence Staff
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin also urged caution over a “drone-tastic” way of thinking when it comes to their use alongside traditional air and underwater domain platforms.
-
![Teal Drones delivers first Black Widows as parent company reports six-month loss]()
Teal Drones delivers first Black Widows as parent company reports six-month loss
In July 2025 Teal Drones was awarded Tranche 2 of the US Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) programme for a small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS).
-
![Poland confirms US$3.8 billion F-16V upgrade]()
Poland confirms US$3.8 billion F-16V upgrade
The Mid-Life Upgrade agreement comes as Poland makes significant increases in its defence spend as its plans to increase it to 5% of GDP by 2026.
