Marshall Aerospace has secured a contract to perform two crucial modifications and extensive servicing on the South African Air Force’s (SAAF) C-130 fleet, as well as supporting subsequent in-country modification work.

Marshall previously led a comprehensive multi-year upgrade programme for the SAAF C-130 fleet roughly 20 years ago. The programme entailed installation of a digital autopilot, flight displays, a navigation systems upgrade, communications and self-defence integration, and enhancements to the electrical generation system. Since the completion of these upgrades, in-country maintenance of the fleet has been performed by Denel (a state-owned maintenance, repair and overhaul facility).

Marshall will initially modify one aircraft, replacing the existing Secondary Flight Display (SFD) and implementing an Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast – Out (ADSB-Out) – an internationally required system for determining and periodically broadcasting the aircraft’s location without the use of ground-based interrogation signals. Following testing and verification of these modifications on the first aircraft, Marshall will also supply Denel with service bulletin kits containing all parts, components and instructions needed to perform the same modifications on four additional C-130 aircraft in South Africa. Marshall will also train Denel and SAAF technicians on the modification implementation processes.

Under the new contract, Marshall will also perform depth maintenance, which will involve comprehensive inspections, repairs, and rectification.

The first of the SAAF aircraft arrived at Cambridge on Friday 11th August ahead of modification work.

“We are delighted to have been asked to support the SAAF and Denel with our unique technical capability and platform knowhow in order to extend the lifespan of these aircraft,” said Marshall Aerospace Managing Director Neil McManus.

“Having yet another global operator flag in our hangars highlights our well-established leadership as a global C-130 support specialist and our reputation for quality work.”

Thank you for sharing @Tally-ho. At least some positive news for a change. It was sad to see them in the state they are in when I attended the AAD earlier this year.

Why is the South African Air Force sidelining Denel over the R1 billion C130 fleet upgrade contract?

Issued by Ghaleb Cachalia MP – DA Shadow Minister of Public Enterprises

16 Aug 2023 in News

The DA is calling on the South African Airforce (SAF), Department of Defence and the Department of Public Enterprises to immediately pause the R1 billion contract for the upgrade of six Hercules C130 military transport aircraft until clarity is provided on why Denel Aeronautics has been sidelined in favour of a UK contractor.

Denel has been struggling to remain a going concern and has had to rely on bailouts from the South African taxpayers. The question that arises is why the SAF is refusing to give business to Denel for the essential strategic upgrades of its fleet? Is the SAF not aware that externalising defence contracts will damage our economy, kill the local defence industry, and lead to the loss of jobs?

Reports are that the SAF plans to spend R1 billion upgrading its six Hercules C130BZ fleet and will utilise the services of a UK contractor, Marshall Aerospace, to do the upgrades. Industry players are of the view that Denel Aeronautics could do the job at a much cheaper price than what is being quoted by Marshall Aerospace.

The decision to go with a UK defence contractor is puzzling because in the late 1990s, Denel was able to upgrade six C-130B’s to C-130BZ’s. As such, the claim that Denel does not have enough capabilities and facilities for the current job on the C130s is hard to believe.

Any claim that Marshall Aerospace is the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the Hercules C130 BZ fleet navigation system will not hold water because, previously Marshalls Aerospace partnered with Denel to design the current system. Besides, Denel does have Lockheed Martin OEM accreditation, which it has previously put to good use, maintaining the workhorse fleet

If the Departments of Defence and Public Enterprises including Armscor will not use their budget for defence contracts in South Africa, Denel will find it hard to break even and survive from its own initiatives. The priority should be to save the local defence industry first before external defence contractors are considered.

Tally-ho, I've sent you a PM.

... but there is definitely more to this story.

Thank you, I have responded.