Final Niger Air Force Hercules delivered
On 12 December 2022, after a four year extensive overhaul with Sabena Aerospace at Brussels, the final Armée de l'Air du Niger (Niger Air Force) C-130H Hercules departed for its delivery flight to Base Aérienne 101 (BA101) Niamey/Diori Hamani (Niger).
The Hercules, former USAF WC-130H 65-0985 (c/n 382-4140), will become 5UMTU with the Niger Air Force. Unfortunately its future Niger serial was covered by stickers with the former USAF serial.
Since 2015, the United States has invested more than USD 30 million in the development of the Niger Air Force Hercules programme including a training component, purchase of spare parts, infrastructure, fuel and support equipment. In addition, more than USD 17 million was injected in the acquisition of critical infrastructure including the renovation of a hangar for the Hercules at Base Aérienne 201 (BA201) Agadez. The Hercules hangar at Niamey has also been renovated and expanded with a spare parts storage facility.
With the delivery of this C-130H, the transport fleet has strengthened its former capacity with fully overhauled and upgraded C-130Hs.
Photo by Kenny Peeters