The delivery marks the fourth C-130 delivered to Tunisia by the U.S. government since 2021.

On 13 January 2026, the U.S. government celebrated the transfer of a C-130H Hercules aircraft to the Tunisian Air Force in a ceremony at Sidi Ahmed Air Base in Bizerte. U.S. Ambassador Bill Bazzi joined high-ranking officials from both Tunisia and the United States at the event, including Tunisian Minister of National Defense Khaled Sehili, Chief of Staff of the Tunisian Air Force General Mohammed Hajem, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs Kelli Seybolt, and Brigadier General Shawn Holtz, the Deputy Director of U.S. Africa Command’s Strategy, Engagement, and Programs.

The delivery of this aircraft continues the U.S. government’s commitment to expanding the Tunisian Air Force’s air transport capabilities and furthering the prosperity of the United States defense economic sector. The additional airlift capacity will strengthen Tunisia’s ability to conduct joint and combined exercises, airlift missions, security operations, and rapid response missions across the region. The United States has partnered with Tunisia, a strategic partner and major non-NATO ally, for more than four decades on C-130 operations, training, and sustainment. This delivery represents another milestone in expanding cooperation between the U.S. and Tunisian Armed Forces.

“This aircraft represents another step forward in the long and trusted partnership between the United States and Tunisia,” said Ambassador Bazzi. “Enhancing Tunisia’s airlift capacity strengthens our shared ability to support regional stability, cooperative security efforts, and humanitarian assistance.”