Polish Air Force C-130 Hercules Set to Return to Antidotum Airshow Leszno in 2025
The organisers of the Antidotum Airshow Leszno have announced a real giant for their 2025 air display—the Polish Air Force C-130 Hercules. This formidable military transport aircraft, a fan favourite among aviation enthusiasts, will once again take to the skies above Leszno, promising a performance that showcases its raw power and the expertise of its crew.
Scheduled for June 20-21, 2025, the event is already generating buzz, with the Hercules’ return cementing its status as a highlight of this unique Polish airshow. For those who’ve witnessed its displays before, the anticipation is palpable, and for newcomers, the C-130 offers a rare chance to see one of the world’s most iconic aircraft in action.
Polish Air Force C-130E Hercules / Antidotum Airshow Leszno 2021
The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a legend in military aviation, a four-engine turboprop workhorse that has served armed forces around the globe for over six decades. Designed in the 1950s by Lockheed Martin, the aircraft was built to handle troop transport, medical evacuation, and cargo delivery, but its adaptability has seen it take on roles as varied as aerial refuelling, maritime patrol, and even close air support when configured as the AC-130 gunship. What makes the Hercules stand out is its rugged versatility—it can operate from short, rough airstrips where other aircraft would falter, thanks to its high-wing design, powerful Allison T56 engines, and a reinforced airframe capable of withstanding punishing conditions.
For aviation enthusiasts, the C-130’s specs are a point of fascination. With a wingspan of 132 feet and a maximum takeoff weight of 155,000 pounds, it’s a behemoth that defies its size with surprising agility. Its ability to perform short takeoffs and landings—sometimes in under 3,000 feet—has made it a staple for tactical operations, while its 4,700-mile range ensures it can deploy troops and supplies across continents. The Polish Air Force’s versions, primarily the C-130E and newer C-130H models, retain these core traits, tailored to meet Poland’s modern military needs.
Polish Air Force C-130E Hercules / Radom International Arshow 2023
Poland’s journey with the C-130 began in 2009 when the first C-130E arrived at the 33rd Transport Aviation Base in Powidz, acquired through a U.S. Foreign Military Financing loan. These early models, though seasoned veterans of the U.S. Air Force, brought a significant boost to Poland’s airlift capacity. By 2021, the Polish Air Force expanded its fleet with a deal for five additional C-130H aircraft via the U.S. Excess Defense Articles program. These newer airframes, delivered over the following years, are younger and better equipped than their predecessors, offering improved reliability and performance.
Today, the Polish Hercules fleet numbers a handful of aircraft—exact figures fluctuate with maintenance cycles and operational demands—but each one is a vital asset. They’ve supported a range of missions, from delivering humanitarian aid in disaster zones to transporting troops and heavy equipment for NATO exercises. The crews who fly them are among the best in the Polish Air Force, logging thousands of hours in training and real-world operations, from frigid Alaskan winters to the rugged terrain of Central Asia. For Poland, the C-130 isn’t just an aircraft—it’s a symbol of logistical prowess and international cooperation.
The 33rd Transport Aviation Base in Powidz, located in west-central Poland, is the beating heart of the country’s C-130 operations. Part of the 3rd Transport Aviation Wing, this facility has evolved into a modern hub since the Hercules arrived. The base boasts expansive hangars, advanced maintenance bays, and training simulators, all designed to keep the fleet airborne and mission-ready. Powidz’s strategic location also makes it ideal for supporting both domestic and international deployments, a role it has fulfilled with distinction.
The personnel at Powidz are a tight-knit group, blending seasoned veterans with younger pilots and technicians. Many of the C-130 crews have flown missions far beyond Poland’s borders, earning a reputation for professionalism and precision. The base’s upgrades over the past decade—partly funded by NATO initiatives—reflect its growing importance, not just to Poland but to the broader alliance. When the Hercules takes off from Powidz for Leszno in 2025, it’ll carry with it the pride of this dedicated team.
The Antidotum Airshow Leszno isn’t your typical aviation event. Held annually in the small town of Leszno, about 70 kilometres south of Poznań, it draws upwards of 60,000 spectators with a format that sets it apart from the pack. Unlike most airshows that wrap up by late afternoon, Leszno’s displays kick off in the early afternoon, stretch through sunset, and continue into the night. This extended schedule transforms the sky into a canvas for dramatic visuals—think aircraft silhouetted against a fiery horizon, followed by flare drops and pyrotechnics that light up the darkness.
This unique timing isn’t just for show; it’s a logistical feat that showcases the skill of the pilots and the organisers’ commitment to spectacle. The event attracts a mix of aircraft, from nimble gliders and vintage warbirds to cutting-edge fighters and heavy lifters like the C-130. Leszno’s relaxed, family-friendly vibe adds to its charm—think sprawling picnic areas, food stalls, and a palpable sense of community. For aviation buffs, it’s a chance to see machines like the Hercules up close, while casual attendees enjoy the sheer thrill of it all.
The Polish C-130 Hercules made its debut at the Antidotum Airshow Leszno in 2021, marking the first-ever full display of the aircraft in Poland. It was a watershed moment—until then, the Hercules had been a behind-the-scenes workhorse, not a public performer. That first showing changed everything. Since then, it’s become a regular fixture at Leszno, with each year’s performance outdoing the last. The demo team has honed a routine that’s equal parts technical mastery and crowd-pleasing flair, featuring high and low-speed passes, flypasts with the cargo ramp open, and simulated tactical approaches that highlight the aircraft’s battlefield roots.
The climax of the display is the massive flare drop—a cascade of glowing countermeasures that tumble from the Hercules against the night sky, leaving spectators in awe. It’s a manoeuvre that blends military precision with theatrical impact, a fitting showcase for an aircraft that’s both a brute and a beauty. The Hercules has also appeared at other Polish events, like the Radom International Airshow, but Leszno remains its spiritual home, where it connects most directly with the public.
Polish Air Force C-130E Hercules / Radom International Arshow 2023
The team had planned to take this display global in 2024, with an international debut slated for the Sanicole International Airshow in Belgium. Tragically, those plans were scrapped after a fatal crash during a rehearsal by the Polish Air Force M-346 Demo Team for an airshow in Poland. The loss shook the aviation community, and all Polish Air Force airshow commitments that year were cancelled out of respect and caution. It was a stark reminder of the risks these crews face, even in peacetime. Since then, the Hercules team has doubled down on safety and training, ensuring their Leszno performances are as secure as they are stunning.
The excitement for 2025 hit a new high with the official announcement from the Antidotum organisers: “The largest aircraft of the Polish Air Force! Another star of the Antidotum Airshow Leszno 2025 is.... C-130 Hercules The military colossus, the mighty Hercules will fly at ANTIDOTUM It is a great honour and privilege for us to be able to host the C-130 crew in Leszno again. Thank you to the Polish military! The C-130 Hercules is used for, among other things, transporting people and equipment, rescue operations, humanitarian aid, landing soldiers and cargo. Seeing a Hercules in the sky is always special! The aircraft is coming from the 33rd Powidz Air Base and the 3rd Transport Aviation Wing in Powidz. Once again, thank you to the Polish military for your support and trust; your presence is an honour for us! Almost the last tickets for Saturday are still available on ToBilet.pl. There are still some more tickets left for Friday.”
This heartfelt message captures the organisers’ gratitude and the event’s prestige. The Hercules isn’t just a participant—it’s a guest of honour, a testament to the strong partnership between the airshow and the Polish military. The nod to its roles in transport, rescue, and humanitarian missions adds depth for enthusiasts who know the aircraft’s history, while the enthusiasm keeps it accessible to all.
As June 20-21, 2025, draws closer, the Antidotum Airshow Leszno is shaping up to be another triumph. The return of the Polish Air Force C-130 Hercules, with its blend of power, precision, and pyrotechnic flair, ensures it’ll be a standout moment. For those planning to attend, tickets are moving fast—Saturday’s show is nearly sold out, though Friday still has some availability via ToBilet.pl. Whether you’re an aviation diehard eager to dissect every manoeuvre or a family looking for a memorable outing, Leszno promises something special. The Hercules, roaring out of Powidz, will make sure of it.
Visit our preview page for the latest performers list, weather updates, and more by clicking here, or go to the official Antidotum Airshow Leszno website by clicking here.
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