The U.S. Coast Guard ordered six additional C-130J aircraft from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics for $735 million, bringing its long-range surveillance program to 25 total aircraft. Deliveries span fiscal 2028 through 2030.
What's happening
- Coast Guard awarded six C-130J aircraft through existing U.S. Air Force contracts with Lockheed Martin in Marietta, Georgia on September 24, 2026.
- Six aircraft will arrive in baseline configuration; separate contracts will equip them as HC-130J variants for Coast Guard missions.
- Deliveries begin fiscal 2028 and conclude by end of fiscal 2030.
- Fleet expansion supports operations from Elizabeth City, Kodiak, Barbers Point, and Sacramento air stations.
Why it matters
- Coast Guard extends airlift capacity for counterdrug operations, migrant interdictions, search-and-rescue, and DHS border protection missions.
- C-130J offers 20% greater speed and altitude and 40% greater range than legacy C-130H aircraft, improving operational reach.
- Six-aircraft order accelerates modernization across Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security operations nationwide.
Going deeper
- Sacramento, California received its first HC-130J in July 2026 as part of planned expansion to additional air stations.
- Six-aircraft acquisition forms part of broader Coast Guard modernization funded by $1.412 billion fixed-wing aircraft appropriation from fiscal 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
- Coast Guard has awarded approximately $19 billion across reconciliation projects nationwide to date.
Financial impact
- Lockheed Martin recognizes revenue over delivery period from fiscal 2028 through fiscal 2030 as aircraft are delivered and accepted.
- $735 million contract value represents obligated funds for six C-130J airframes; separate equipment contracts not included in this amount.
- Revenue recognition timing extends across three fiscal years beginning 2028.
The fine print
- Six aircraft ordered in baseline C-130J configuration; separate contracts will equip them for HC-130J designation.
- Contract awarded through existing U.S. Air Force contracts with Lockheed Martin rather than new standalone agreement.
Source: defence-industry.eu · Oct 3, 2026 · Drafted with Claude, reviewed by Industrial Base Alpha.