Strategic Modernization of the C-130H Fleet
The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) is embarking on a significant modernization initiative involving its C-130H aircraft, which currently have limited operational availability. This ambitious program, undertaken in collaboration with L3Harris, aims to enhance the capabilities of the RMAF's airlift fleet, with plans for extensive upgrades to be executed in the United States, alongside efforts to bolster maintenance capabilities within Morocco itself.
On July 14 of the previous year, L3Harris announced its contract with the RMAF to upgrade multiple C-130 aircraft, marking the beginning of a multi-year project set to commence in 2025. During an aviation show, representatives from L3Harris revealed that three RMAF C-130s are currently located at their facility in Waco, Texas, with the initial aircraft anticipated to return to Morocco by the close of 2027. The contract encompasses upgrades for a total of 11 out of the 15 aircraft in the RMAF fleet, with completion of all work slated for the end of 2029. This modernization will include comprehensive maintenance, the implementation of L3Harris's Flight 2 systems, and fleet rehabilitation, enhancing both the functionality and longevity of these vital transport aircraft.
Local Overhaul and International Collaboration
As part of this modernization effort, Maintenance Aero Maroc (MAM) has successfully completed the overhaul of its first RMAF C-130H at its facility located at Benslimane air base. This specific aircraft, designated CN-AOO (c/n 4877), was showcased at MAM's stand and underwent an extensive 17-month refurbishment, which faced delays due to COVID-related supply chain issues. Looking ahead, MAM expressed confidence in reducing the timeframe for the overhaul of the second aircraft currently under maintenance. Although MAM aspires to manage the overhaul of the entire fleet, the integration of locally maintained aircraft with those being modernized in Waco by L3Harris remains a point of consideration.
MAM is a collaborative venture that includes Belgian MRO specialist Sabena Engineering, US defense contractor Lockheed Martin, and MDZ, the infrastructure development arm of Morocco’s CDG Group. Furthermore, plans are underway for RMAF F-16 maintenance work to begin in late 2027 or early 2028, utilizing a new hangar currently under construction. Sabena Engineering, along with its partner Sabca, has extensive experience in maintaining, repairing, and overhauling F-16s for various air forces, including those of the USAF and European nations, and more recently, Ukraine.
MAM broke ground on its new heavy maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at Benslimane Airport on October 15, 2025, with the expectation that operations will commence by February 2027. This facility will enable MAM to handle multiple Hercules aircraft simultaneously, positioning the company to attract further maintenance contracts from other African nations operating Hercules aircraft.
Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin is actively promoting its C-130J model to the RMAF, showcasing a model adorned with RMAF markings at their exhibition stand. However, any potential deal for the C-130J is seen as unlikely in the near term due to the ongoing modernization efforts concerning the existing Hercules fleet.
As reported by edrmagazine.eu.
