C-130 Series

The C-130 Series Modification Program is a Navy and Marine Corps initiative funded under Budget Line Item (LI) 0560, focused on sustaining and enhancing the operational capabilities of the C/KC-130 aircraft fleet. As of May 2025, the inventory includes 109 aircraft, with modifications supporting both active and reserve units. The program's objective is to address safety, reliability, readiness, and obsolescence issues, while ensuring compliance with evolving mission requirements and regulatory mandates. The budget request for FY 2026 supports a range of upgrades and modifications to maintain mission effectiveness and fleet availability through the expected service lives of the C-130T, C-130J, KC-130T, and KC-130J models.

C/KC-130 ISR/Weapons Mission Kit (OSIP 022-07) aims to enhance the KC-130J's intra-theater close air support (CAS) and multi-sensor imagery and reconnaissance (MIR) capabilities. The program integrates a roll-on/roll-off MIR and air-to-ground weapons kit, providing real-time intelligence gathering, target detection, and tracking for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). The kit includes advanced sensors and precision-guided munitions, and supports upgrades for digital interoperability, cybersecurity, and future munition integration. Funding in FY 2026 is paused pending further evaluation by HQMC Aviation, reflecting shifting priorities and aircraft availability for developmental testing.

Electronic Counter Measures (OSIP 020-12) focuses on improving aircraft survivability for the KC-130J by adding new Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE), such as the Department of the Navy Large Aircraft Infrared Counter Measures (DoN LAIRCM) with Advanced Threat Warning (ATW) and Hostile Fire Indication (HFI). The program also funds the KC-130J Adjustable Ballast System (JABS), radar warning receiver upgrades, and defensive electronic countermeasures to enable operations in expanded threat environments. These enhancements are designed to increase combat effectiveness and reduce operations and support costs through commonality with other naval platforms. Modifications are performed at commercial facilities through FY28.

Technical Insertion (OSIP 019-14) supports ongoing avionics, navigation, communications, and electronic warfare upgrades for the C/KC-130 fleet. Key objectives include Block Upgrade 8.1 for the KC-130J, which introduces new flight management systems, transponder and mission computer updates, and compliance with Communication Navigation Surveillance System (CNS) Air Traffic Management (ATM) mandates. The program also incorporates digital interoperability enhancements, reliability-centered maintenance baselining, and integration of advanced mission planning tools. FY 2026 funding supports continued kit installations, software development, and testing, with some kit procurements deferred to later years due to fleet availability and service reprioritization.

Safety/Obsolescence Upgrades (OSIP 015-17) addresses critical safety, reliability, and obsolescence issues affecting the C/KC-130 fleet. This includes upgrades to power and propulsion systems, airframes, electrical power, and life support systems. Notable efforts in FY 2026 are the procurement and installation of carbon brakes, observer seats, cargo winches, truss mount replacements, and variable speed drogues for aerial refueling. Additional modifications cover GPS upgrades, weather radar kits, high-frequency radios, SATCOM, and control display units. These upgrades are prioritized to meet emerging operational requirements, such as in-flight refueling missions in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility, and to ensure compliance with current air traffic control and communication standards.

Inactive OSIPs represent prior year investments and modifications that have been completed or archived. These include various installation kits, engineering change proposals, and support activities that contributed to earlier phases of the C-130 Series modernization effort. No new funding is requested for inactive OSIPs in FY 2026, as these activities have been concluded and their costs documented in previous budget cycles.