Poland receives first of five U.S.-Donated Hercules C-130

The first of five refurbished Hercules C-130E military transport planes has been given to the Polish Air Force by the United States landed at Powidz Air Base in central Poland. The C-130 provides the Polish Air Force an aircraft capable of carrying a greater payload (more supplies or more troops), and traveling a greater distance than its current primary airlift aircraft. The donation is a result of a presidential pledge to provide Poland such a capability and the C-130s are being fully inspected, refurbished, and outfitted with several avionics upgrades. The Polish Air Force plans to use the planes for the next 20 years. "This is a milestone for our air defense," Polish General Mikutel stated. He noted that the plane is able to carry 17 tons of equipment or 90 equipped soldiers, “which is why the plane will leave [our current] CASA planes behind”. The entire donation, including total refurbishment of five aircraft, support equipment, supplies, training, and contracted logistics support, is valued at $120 million – 100 percent funded through bilateral military assistance grant money. Because the Hercules is used by numerous nations around the world, including NATO allies, its presence in the Polish fleet enhances opportunities for interoperability and shared support.