Bangladesh Air Force in Paris
Bangladesh Air Force C-130B Hercules Makes Brief Stop at Paris–CDG
A rare and compelling sight unfolded on Paris–Charles de Gaulle Airport's tarmac today when the Bangladesh Air Force's venerable Lockheed C-130B Hercules, registration S3-AGB (msn 282-3589, military serial 1537), touched down briefly en route from Reykjavik (KEF). The aircraft, renowned for its rugged capabilities and decades of service, made this transit stop before continuing its mission.
The Hercules on the arrival at CDG airport
Current Fleet
C-130B (ex-USAF): still in limited service, used for transport and training. Example: S3-AGB (59-1537), recently spotted on international transit.
C-130J (ex-RAF): more modern and reliable, progressively taking over the role of the older C-130Bs
The S3-AGB Hercules
The Lockheed C-130B Hercules is a storied military transport aircraft, originally developed in the 1950s and widely deployed around the globe. The Bangladesh Air Force has operated C-130Bs—including S3-AGB—for decades, renowned for their durability and versatility
Acquisition and Origins
The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) inducted its first Lockheed C-130B Hercules in 2001, acquired from surplus U.S. Air Force stocks.
Built in the 1960s, these aircraft replaced older Antonov and Fokker types in strategic transport missions.
In 2018–2019, the BAF purchased five C-130J Hercules from the Royal Air Force, modernized before delivery, to expand and modernize its airlift capabilities.
Conclusion
The brief Paris-CDG stop by S3-AGB on 5 August 2025, while operationally simple, echoed a broader narrative: the legacy of the Hercules in upholding critical military logistics is far from over, and the Bangladesh Air Force continues to wield its legacy fleet with strategic alacrity.
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