The Belgian Defence Air Component (BDAC) bought 12 C-130H Hercules transport aircraft in 1970 to replace the Fairchild C-119G Flying Boxcar. The first Hercules was delivered in mid 1972 and was assigned to 20 Smaldeel from 15 Wing at Melsbroek.

In the early 90ies a mid-life update program was started to upgrade the fleet of C-130H’s, with the replacement of the outer wings, installation of self protection system and a new glass cockpit and they changed the color of the Hercules fleet from the Lizard camouflage into an overall light grey colour scheme.

The rugged airframe design is adapted for many uses including airborne assault and cargo transport. During its long career it has been involved in many of the World's conflicts en humanitarian missions.

The BDAC lost two of its C-130s. The first -serial CH-06- and most tragic accident happened on July 15, 1996. Whilst on approach at Eindhoven Air Base in the Netherlands, the aircraft was caught by surprise in a flock of 500-600 Sterlings. The crew decided to do a missed approach procedure but unfortunately during this procedure the C-130 suffered multiple bird strikes, resulting in at least 2 -and possible 3- of the plane's 4 engines to lose power. The aircraft crashed on the base and skidded of the runway and caught fire. Air traffic control was aware that the aircraft in question was carrying the members of the Royal Netherlands Army brass band. However, the air base fire service was unaware of the number of people on the aircraft. The air base fire service assumed that only the four crew members were present. By the time the fire crew found out about the passengers on board, all but ten lost their lives. Of the ten heavily wounded three would lose their lives as well, resulting in 34 fatalities.

The second Hercules -serial CH-02- was destroyed in hangar fire at Zaventem IAP. After the loss of two C-130H’s the BDAC found a replacement Hercules in a former Evergreen aircraft. When it arrived in 2007 it was completely refurbished by Sabena Technics and was given serial CH-14. On March 6, 2009 the CH-14 was delivered to 15 Wing at Melsbroek. The "new" Hercules was officially handed over to the BDAC March 17, 2009 before the official handover they give the new Hercules again a new serial CH-13.

In the future the C-130Hs of the BDAC will be replaced by the Airbus A-400M transport aircraft.