Iraki C130 in Paris
In early November 2019, Villacoublay Air Base 107, in the Île-de-France region, welcomed an unusual visitor: the Lockheed C-130J Hercules YI-306, a tactical transport aircraft of the Iraqi Air Force. This brief but notable stopover illustrates the central role of military transport aircraft in international relations and logistical cooperation.
The Arrival of the C-130J's in Iraqi Air Force
A Strategic Reinforcement
The C-130J Hercules, registration number YI-306, one of six tactical transport aircraft acquired by Iraq, marks a new step in the modernization of the Iraqi Air Force. This aircraft, delivered at the end of December 2012 as part of a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, significantly strengthens the country's logistical capabilities.
On December 12, 2012, Lockheed Martin held an official ceremony at its Marietta, Georgia, site for the handover of the third C-130J to the Iraqi government. It was attended by senior officials from both nations, including the commander of the Iraqi Air Force and U.S. representatives. Afghanistan Military
Six Iraqi crew members (including seven pilots, one loadmaster, and sixteen technicians) trained by the United States were made available to operate these aircraft, with the goal of training a full force of 18 pilots, 18 loadmasters, and at least 50 technicians over three years.
A fleet in two waves
The acquisition includes six C-130J-30 aircraft (a stretched version of the classic Hercules), with a total estimated value of $1.5 billion. First delivery (December 2012): YI-304, YI-305, and YI-306 aircraft transited through Prestwick, Scotland, prior to their arrival.
Second delivery (Spring 2013): YI-307, YI-308, and YI-309 aircraft flew via Shannon, Ireland, before arriving at New Al Muthana Air Force Base. Today, the fleet remains active within the 23rd Transport Wing, based at New Al Muthana Air Force Base.
These aircraft, equipped with cutting-edge technologies, surpass previous versions: improved range, increased climb speed, reduced takeoff and landing distance, and optimized fuel consumption. They thus provide Iraq with the ability to conduct intra-theater support missions, humanitarian transport, and coordination with US, NATO, and other allied forces.
Conclusion
The presence of the C-130J YI-306 in Villacoublay on November 12, 2019, goes beyond a simple technical stopover. It embodies Iraq's logistical buildup, its desire to assert itself as an independent regional player, and the opening of new channels of cooperation with European allies, including France.
© Clément WLD, the pictures and the content of this website are not free of rights.