According to a press release from the U.S. Navy, Northrop Grumman Corp. has been awarded a significant $3.5 billion contract to develop the successor to the E-6B Mercury aircraft, which supports the critical Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission.
This mission is foundational to the nation’s nuclear deterrence strategy, ensuring constant communication with U.S. nuclear forces.
The contract, announced on December 18, 2024, tasks Northrop Grumman with conducting mission-systems integration for the E-130J aircraft, which will take over from the E-6B Mercury. This effort involves integrating key systems, including the Collins Aerospace Very Low Frequency system, into government-provided C-130J-30 air vehicles built by Lockheed Martin Corp.
Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor for the project, with Collins Aerospace and Lockheed Martin providing vital support as subcontractors. As outlined in the release, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro stated: “Our TACAMO mission is foundational to our nation’s nuclear Triad. The E-130J will carry on the proud legacy of Navy TACAMO aircraft and keep our nation safe.”
This contract includes the development of three Engineering Development Models (EDMs), with options for additional aircraft in the first production lot. The E-130J will serve as a cornerstone of U.S. nuclear modernisation, alongside other initiatives such as the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines and the B-21 Raider bomber aircraft.
As Capt. Adam Scott, PMA-271 program manager, remarked in a press release: “Today is a tremendous day for the future of naval aviation’s contribution to our nation’s nuclear deterrence mission. With the selection of Northrop Grumman, we are ready to develop this critical asset.”
The E-130J will enhance communications between the U.S. leadership and its nuclear forces, ensuring the ability to command and control even if conventional ground communications are unavailable.
The E-6B, which has served as the primary communications relay for U.S. Strategic Command, will continue its dual mission, with the E-130J taking over the TACAMO mission.
Can we not give them ours ones we got rid of early but never replaced a bit like our AWACs and every thing else we get rid of early and just do with out and bluff its better. It saves money we are told which weirdly never finds its way back to MOD.
I think the Bangladesh Air Force already has 5 ex-RAF Hercules which replaced them with the A400M. I do believe we should also have a smaller cargo plane for smaller missions. They saved money by getting rid of them to fund procurement, but it does leave a capability gap.
The C-130 is very affordable. They got rid of them for politics to buy an airplane that has UK production.
C130 is cheaper than a 400 to buy and operate. More versatile and more serviceable. Even Airbus chief exec at Farnborough in 2024 admitted it will be three more years before it reaches all operational capabilities. There is still orders coming in for C130 in volume. The end of production in Spain is insight. Jobs in 130 production are safe. Jobs in 400 production are in jeapordy. Nobody wants it.
C27J would do the nicely, and be about right for SF support too. But with the MOD RAF Leadership and UK GOV I suspect we will not be getting anything soon and more cuts are on the way to fund the Liberals agenda. UK is lost.