In 2012 the Royal Air Force announced the purchase of BAe 146M aircraft as an interim transport between the retirement of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and the arrival of the Airbus A400M, to reinforce the air bridge to Afghanistan. In 2013 it received two converted 146-200s, designated BAe 146 C Mk3, able to carry 10.6 tonnes of load through a side door measuring 3.33 by 1.93 metres; they also carried infrared countermeasures and flare dispensers. They flew alongside 32 Squadron's CC Mk2s until the type left British service in 2022.