Taiwan Air Force Shelves Upgrade Plans for C-130H Fleet Amid Rising Threats from China
Taiwan has decided to purchase 10 Lockheed Martin C-130J transport aircraft from the US instead of upgrading its existing C-130H fleet. The decision comes amid rising threats from China and follows the shelving of an extensive upgrade plan due to high costs. According to CNA, the Republic of China Air Force had planned to integrate cockpit interface and collision avoidance systems into the C-130Hs, but ultimately opted for a mixed fleet approach. Lockheed Martin On February 8, 2026, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported detecting seven People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels in Taiwanese waters, prompting increased air force activity.