Northrop gets $3.5 billion contract to integrate mission systems for E-6B successor
A render of the E-130J that Northrop Grumman will work to deliver for the US Navy’s TACAMO mission. (Credit: Northrop Grumman)
The E-130J aircraft will take over the E-6B for the US Navy’s Take Charge and Move Out system.
The US Navy has announced that it has awarded Northrop Grumman a US$3.5 billion contract to conduct the mission-systems integration for the E-130J, the successor to the E-6B Mercury, for the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) strategic communications relay mission.
Northrop Grumman will serve as the primary contractor to integrate the mission systems into the Lockheed Martin-built C-130J-30 aircraft. The contract is for three engineering development models and options for up to three system demonstration test articles – up to six aircraft in the first lot of production.
Based on the C-130J Super Hercules airframe, the platform will provide connectivity between senior commanders and nuclear ballistic missile submarines.
Related Articles
Lockheed Martin began production of the first E-130J aircraft in November 2024, and it is scheduled for delivery in 2026. Two more will reportedly follow in 2027 and 2028.
“Our TACAMO mission is foundational to our nation’s nuclear Triad,” said Carlos Del Toro, secretary of the US Navy. “The E-130J will carry on the proud legacy of Navy TACAMO aircraft and keep our nation safe.”
Jane Bishop, VP and general manager of the global surveillance division at Northrop Grumman, added: “Our performance on Navy programs like the E-2D and E-6B prove we deliver on what we promise, and we will bring this expertise in helping the Navy deliver the E-130J on time and optimized for this strategically important mission.”
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
E-6 TACAMO Recapitalisation Programme (E-130J) [USN]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Philippines grows its S-70i fleet with 10 new deliveries]()
Philippines grows its S-70i fleet with 10 new deliveries
The 10 helicopters delivered throughout 2024 make up part of a larger contract for 32 Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters for the country.
-
![Airbus delivers two H225M Caracals to France]()
Airbus delivers two H225M Caracals to France
The Airbus rotorcraft will replace the French Air Force’s Puma helicopters, following the initial contract signing in 2021.
-
![Lithuania to send an extra 4,500 drones to Ukraine despite delivery delays]()
Lithuania to send an extra 4,500 drones to Ukraine despite delivery delays
According to local media sources, thousands of drones destined for Ukraine are currently stuck in warehouses due to bureaucratic delays.
-
![Royal Thai Air Forces’ bid for Saab’s Gripens backed by defence minister]()
Royal Thai Air Forces’ bid for Saab’s Gripens backed by defence minister
The Thai government minister expressed confidence in the aircraft type, noting that a decision on the selection process between the Gripen and F-16 would be “made soon”.
-
![GCAP needs to “avoid mistakes” of previous programmes to meet 2035 date, states UK Defence Committee]()
GCAP needs to “avoid mistakes” of previous programmes to meet 2035 date, states UK Defence Committee
The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) report highlighted issues with opening the programme to other international partners, as well as notable gaps in future training requirement for the sixth-generation aircraft.
