KC-130J

The KC-130J Program is a major line item in the Department of the Navy's Aircraft Procurement budget, supporting the acquisition and sustainment of KC-130J aircraft for both the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) and U.S. Navy Reserve (USNR). The KC-130J is a multi-role, long-range, land-based aircraft designed for tactical in-flight refueling, cargo transport, and troop carrier operations. The program's primary objective is to ensure the operational readiness and modernization of the Marine Corps' and Navy's aerial refueling and tactical transport capabilities. These capabilities are critical for expeditionary and joint force operations.

The KC-130J aircraft features advanced capabilities, including wing-mounted refueling pods, a pressurized cargo compartment, state-of-the-art cockpit electronics, and improved performance metrics over legacy KC-130 models. Its mission profile includes refueling both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, transporting combat troops and paratroopers, and providing medical evacuation. The program supports the Marine Corps' Force Design initiatives, particularly the expansion of VMGR (Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron) capacity and the activation of a new squadron at Marine Corps Base Hawaii between FY2023 and FY2026.

For FY2026, the KC-130J line item funds production costs, support costs, and Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) activities. DMSMS funding is essential for addressing supplier and component obsolescence, ensuring that necessary redesigns are incorporated into the production baseline. This effort is coordinated with the U.S. Air Force (USAF), which serves as the lead procurement agency. Shared contracting strategies are leveraged to optimize cost and schedule for all participating services.

The Airframe/CFE (Contractor Furnished Equipment) budget line supports the procurement of the KC-130J airframes from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Systems (LMAS) in Marietta, GA, under firm-fixed-price contracts managed by the USAF. This funding covers the core structure of the aircraft, including the integration of Block 8.1 upgrades and the Department of the Navy Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (DON LAIRCM) system. These enhancements improve survivability and operational effectiveness in contested environments.

The budget also funds the integration of advanced infrared countermeasures, which are vital for protecting the aircraft from missile threats. The program includes funding for the production cut-in of carbon brakes, which offer improved performance and reduced maintenance costs. These upgrades are planned as part of ongoing multi-year procurement contracts and follow-on delivery orders to ensure fleet-wide standardization.

Support costs within the KC-130J program cover a range of activities, including procurement of initial spares, peculiar training equipment, publications, technical data, and product engineering support. These elements are necessary for the effective fielding, training, and sustainment of the aircraft. The program also funds Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) planning and miscellaneous support activities to ensure that new aircraft deliveries are fully supported throughout their lifecycle.