C-130 Hercules Aircraft to Enhance Botswana’s Peacekeeping Capabilities

ADF STAFF

The Botswana Defence Force took possession of a C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft provided by the U.S. in a transfer ceremony during the African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Gaborone.

Known for its toughness and versatility, the $30 million C-130 is used in a variety of missions, including fighting wildfires, delivering humanitarian aid, and conducting search, rescue and defense missions. It will also enhance the Botswana Defence Force’s (BDF) ability to respond to regional challenges, including peacekeeping operations, disaster relief and logistical support.

“This C-130H couldn’t have come at a better time than at this moment,” Thomas Kagiso Mmusi, Botswana’s minister of defense and security, said at the handover ceremony. “Just a year ago, the last of the C-130Bs, which have served us fabulously for a quarter of a century, was grounded. The BDF has diligently performed a variety of mission sets using these aircraft over the years.”

Supporting Regional Security

The C-130s Botswana previously used were donated by the U.S. in the 1990s. They were used to provide airlift support to African Union missions, the United Nations Mission in Sudan and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique.

They were also used in SADC Air Power exercises and special forces exercises with international forces, Mmusi said.

“The transfer of this aircraft from the United States to Botswana is a testament to how the U.S. and Botswana work together to further a shared commitment to peace, security and prosperity in the region,” U.S. Ambassador to Botswana Howard Van Vranken said at the ceremony. “The United States is honored to play a role in ensuring that the Botswana Defense Force has the capability to perform vital missions not only in Botswana, but when called upon regionally as well.”

On July 11, Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi vowed to continue supporting Mozambique in its fight against violent extremism in the Cabo Delgado province. All SADC troops were expected to leave the region in mid-July.

“In the military and security space, we are going to share our know-how and expertise because we are to you what you are to us,” Masisi said in a Voice of America report. “And just to make it clear, we will stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Mozambique in the quest for peace, so any instability such as we witnessed, we will be ready to intervene.”

About the C-130

The C-130 Hercules can accommodate two pilots, a flight engineer, a navigator, and a loadmaster. It can fly at speeds up to 589 kilometers per hour with a range of up to 5,470 kilometers with a normal load and around 3,800 kilometers with a maximum load.

According to Van Vranken, the C-130 is 30% faster than the commonly used Casa 235 transport aircraft and can fly twice as far without refueling. The aircraft is powered by four turboprop engines that provide 4,300 horsepower. It has a wingspan of just more than 40 meters, a length of nearly 30 meters and can carry up to 36,100 kilograms of fuel.

Botswana and the U.S. have maintained strong bilateral ties for decades. In June, Botswana hosted the 2024 the African Chiefs of Defense Conference for the first time. Co-hosted by U.S. Africa Command, the event brought together top military leaders from Africa and around the world to exchange knowledge, encourage partnerships and foster collaboration toward addressing shared security and stability.

During the COVID-19 pandemic the U.S. donated millions of dollars and a pair of isolation facilities to Botswana.