First 7 C-130B delivered by the U.S. in early 1960s, a further 4 C-130B and 5 C-130E delivered later from Iran, 2 civilian versions (L-100-20) transferred from PIA and 2 more ex-USAF C-130B models. All surviving B and E model aircraft modified with addition of Allison T56-A-15 turboprops and extended fatigue lives by Lockheed-Georgia Co. at Marietta by 1987. At least 7 attritional losses pre-1988 and 1 more in 1988.
Sale of 6 ex-Australian C-130E with wing/engine/avionics upgrades, plus 1 aircraft for spare parts, concluded with U.S. in September 2004.First aircraft delivered October/November 2005. Avionics upgrades for the PAF's entire C-130 fleet also included, upgrades progressing as of 1 May 2009.
During the 1965 war, modifications to enable rear ramp opening at speeds above 150 knots enabled C-130s to be used for night-time bombing of moderately defended targets.