MC-130J

The LI C130JM - MC-130J line item in the Air Force's Fiscal Year 2026 Aircraft Procurement budget is dedicated to the Post Production Support Program for the AC/HC/MC-130J aircraft. This program is managed under Budget Activity 07: Aircraft Support Equipment & Facilities, specifically within the sub-activity for Post Production Support. Its primary objective is to ensure continued operational readiness and sustainment of the MC-130J fleet after the completion of aircraft production. The program addresses the unique needs that arise once the manufacturing line has ceased.

The program's specific goals include correcting production deficiencies and providing essential support items and activities required for out-of-production aircraft. This encompasses the stand-up, replacement, or increased requirement of Primary Mission Equipment to maintain mission capability. The program also actively manages solutions for Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) and obsolescence, which may involve lifetime buys or bridge buys of critical components, limited to the program of record quantity.

Another key objective is to supply spares and Program Support Costs (PSC) necessary for ongoing maintenance and operations. The program funds post-delivery support activities, including training equipment, government services, and upgrades to simulators and training devices. Interim Contractor Support (ICS) is provided to bridge any gaps in technical expertise or supply chain availability, ensuring seamless transition and continued support for the MC-130J fleet.

The program includes procurement of Government Furnished Equipment, publication and technical data updates, crypto updates, and other data management activities. These efforts are critical for maintaining compliance with evolving security standards and providing accurate, up-to-date technical information to operators and maintainers. The program also addresses field support needs such as interim supply support, deferred support equipment, and replacement of organizational and intermediate level peculiar support equipment.

In response to force structure changes, such as the conversion of active units to guard or reserve forces, the program procures additional quantities of support equipment to accommodate new bases and operational requirements. Investment-type replenishment spares and repair parts, which are exempt from the Air Force Working Capital Fund, Supply Division, are also acquired to ensure long-term sustainability of the MC-130J fleet. These measures support the Air Force's goal of maintaining a capable and reliable special operations airlift platform.

For Fiscal Year 2026, no new funding is requested for this line item, as indicated by the budget summary. The absence of funding reflects the completion of major post-production support activities or a transition to sustainment managed under other budget lines. The program remains essential for addressing any emerging deficiencies, obsolescence issues, and support requirements that may arise as the MC-130J fleet continues to operate in diverse mission environments.