TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Air Force's fleet of C-130H transport aircraft will begin performance upgrades in 2025 under the “Taiwu Mountain III” project.

Key upgrades include cockpit interface integration, enhanced maritime search and rescue capabilities, and the development of flight simulators, CNA reported. Systems for global positioning, aircraft tracking, and collision avoidance will also be improved. 

The cost of the upgrades is estimated to exceed NT$10 billion (US$ 305.86 million). According to a tender notice published on the government procurement website on Wednesday, NT$126.01 million will be allocated for new propellers.

Taiwan purchased 20 C-130Hs from the US, some of which have been in service for 40 years. One was converted into an electronic warfare variant. 

The aircraft are each powered by four T-56-A-15 turboprop engines, which allow them to take off and land on short runways. During the annual Han Kuang military exercises, the C-130 plays a critical role in force preservation by transporting aircraft parts to eastern Taiwan, where it is more difficult for enemy strikes to destroy military facilities and hardware.

Taiwan requested to purchase “the return, repair, and reshipment of classified and unclassified spare parts for aircraft and related equipment” and related logistics and support for approximately NT$7.26 billion, according to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency.