# Navy Accepts First C-130J for TACAMO

The U.S. Navy accepted the first of three C-130J-30 aircraft on October 15, 2026, beginning deliveries for its next-generation E-130J Phoenix II TACAMO airborne nuclear communications fleet. The aircraft will undergo mission-systems integration and testing; Northrop Grumman is leading that work under an approximately **$3.5 billion** contract, while Collins Aerospace is supplying very low frequency communications systems. The signals describe ongoing program activity, not a new solicitation, but upcoming modification, testing, and production phases may create supplier opportunities.

- The initial three-aircraft procurement was ordered in September 2024; Lockheed Martin manufactures and delivers the C-130J-30 platform, which will be converted for the Navy mission.
- For contractors, the clearest areas of potential follow-on work are aircraft modification, mission-system integration, communications equipment, and testing support. The signals do not identify an open solicitation.
- Companies assessing this market should distinguish potential supplier participation in future program phases from currently available bids or awards.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 19, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Navy (USN)
- U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM)
- Airborne Strategic Command, Control, and Communications Program Office (PMA-271)
- Strategic Communications Wing 1 (SCW-1)

### Vendors
- Lockheed Martin (C-130J-30 aircraft manufacturer and delivering contractor)
- Northrop Grumman (Prime contractor leading E-130J mission-systems integration and conversion)
- Collins Aerospace (Supplier of very low frequency communications systems)

### Sources
- [Lockheed Martin Delivers C-130J-30 Super Hercules to Navy](https://www.executivegov.com/articles/lockheed-martin-navy-c-130j-30) - ExecutiveGov
- [
	Navy accepts first C-130J-30 for next-generation TACAMO fleet, modernizing airborne strategic communications > U.S. Strategic Command > News Article View
](https://www.stratcom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/4628311/navy-accepts-first-c-130j-30-for-next-generation-tacamo-fleet-modernizing-airbo/) - US