Second C-130H delivered to Niger
During an official ceremony at Base Aérienne 101 (BA101) Niamey/Diori Hamani on 7 December 2021, a second Lockheed Martin C-130H Hercules was handed over to the Armée de l'Air du Niger (Niger Air Force).
The former US Air Force Hercules, serial 5UMMS (ex 74-2067, c/n 382-4678), arrived in Niger somewhere in November. The delivery of the first aircraft, on 4 January 2021, was in fact the re-delivery after extensive overhaul of C-130H serial 5UMBH.
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. The US has trained 16 Nigerien pilots, 19 maintenance personnel, five baggage handlers and a flight engineer.
With the delivery of this Hercules the air force is regaining its former capacity and even strengthening it with the arrival of another C-130H during the first half of 2022.
Photo via Armée de l'Air du Niger