A C-130H2 Hercules military airlift aircraft entered the service of the Romanian Air Force, free of charge, through the Excess Defense Articles Program, which allows the US to transfer excess military equipment to the friendly and allied countries at little or no cost.

The donation of the C-130H2 Hercules aircraft to the Romanian Air Force is proof of the strong and lasting cooperation between Romania and the US in the field of security and the mutual commitment to regional stability and security. This fact also demonstrates that the USA values Romania as a strategic partner and key ally in NATO and supports our country's efforts in modernizing its defence capabilities.

The C-130H2 Hercules aircraft was delivered on September 15, while between September 17 and 29, the U.S. Mobile Training Team conducted training sessions in the 90th Airlift Base together with the Romanian crew, to familiarize the personnel with the new equipment onboard of the aircraft.

By the end of 2023, Romania will receive one more C-130H2 type aircraft, as part the Excess Defense Articles Program.

The Romanian Air Force still has got four C-130 B airlift aircraft and two C-130 H aircraft (the last one received in 2021) in its service.

The C-130H Hercules is a versatile and reliable airlift aircraft that can perform a variety of missions such as airlift, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The aircraft will enhance Romania's airlift capabilities and its interoperability with the NATO allies, particularly on the Alliance's eastern flank.

"The C-130H Hercules program is of paramount importance both for the Romanian Air Force and for the Romanian Armed Forces as a whole. The C-130 Hercules aircraft has a rich history, perfected through airlift missions since 1996, when the C-130B models were integrated into the transport fleet. With 19 years of extensive flying experience in Afghanistan, starting with Operation Enduring Freedom and extending further to the missions conducted in Iraq, Mali, the Balkans, as well as various national and international flights, the Air Force's 901st Squadron has demonstrated without doubt its courage, effectiveness and invaluable contribution to the missions. The introduction of H models, from the US inventory, increases the transport capacity of the Romanian Air Force and leads to an increased response capacity, which are specific characteristics of a modern air force", said Commander Emil Tecuceanu, Commander of the 90th Airlift Base.

The Press Office