C-130J is Super Hercules, much modern and newer than current fleet of C-130s in TurAF's inventory. TurAF is using Hercules for decades and even purchased second much older C-130Es from KSA 10 years ago. It is much cheaper to purchase and operate than A400Ms, it can even be converted to fireplanes or replace old C130s in the inventory. TurAF definitely need them, on the other hand A400Ms Spain is considering to sell are not second hand, they are not even built yet, it won't be cheaper than purchasing new ones, a small fortune, while there would be collaboration alternatives with Antonov, it is waste of money.
I know the difference between “J”and “E” versions and listed my opinion for the newer and yet still 20 to 25 years old aircraft.
With a modification project pretty much any plane can be converted to fireplanes. But considering the size of such a behemoth plane, it’s also proven that such large planes are not as effective as, say, CL 215 purpose built planes with pinpoint accuracy which proved itself over the decades.
And, again, I know Spain’s A400Ms are not second hand. In fact, they are not even delivered. I said we should go for them as we need them (also explained why). Also, let’s not forget, the day “Koca Yusuf“ (the moniker for A400 in TuAF) entered TuAF service it was clear as day that we needed more.
And as for Antonov, well a war happened. People keep forgetting this when mentioning any mutual projects between TR and Ukraine.
What will be the outcome the war? Even if Ukraine achieves her every goal at end of the war, what will be it’s economy like? Where will their priorities lie? Will they be as eager to invest on any collaboration for quite a while? Or if they do, when? Will they still be willing to collaborate or cooperate more closely with us in a new political environment (as anticipated by most) where the US and EU are the dominant actors and as such MIGHT convince Ukraine to keep their distance with us, Turkey, the next pariah?
I would trust the Ukrainians with my life but not the future political environment they’d been allowed in
