USCG receives HC-130J with MSS+
L3 Technologies has delivered the first production HC-130J aircraft integrated with the next-generation Minotaur Mission System Suite (MSS+) to the US Coast Guard (USCG), the company announced on 31 January.
Developed jointly by the USCG and the US Navy, the government-furnished MSS+ is expected to improve the USCG’s long-range surveillance capabilities.
L-3's work included integration and testing of the aircraft under a five-year contract. The company will now perform full system integration on two additional baseline configuration aircraft and will retrofit four HC-130J aircraft. The contract also includes the option of missionising five additional aircraft.
Christopher Kubasik, chief executive officer and president, L3, said: ‘Developing and delivering world-class innovative ISR systems is what we do best. It is a key market that we continue to pursue as part of our overall strategy to help our customers achieve their goals.
‘This important HC-130J modification capability adds to our robust portfolio of work for the USCG with industry-leading C-130 expertise and integration experience to meet the rigors of its challenging and often dangerous missions.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Rolls Royce Submarines brings jobs to Glasgow for Dreadnought and AUKUS programmes
Rolls Royce opens new Scottish office but the MoD foots the bill.
-
First UK autonomous XL military submarine is put through in-water testing
The BAE Systems Herne XLAUV has hit the water.
-
US Senate approves additional $175 million for Coast Guard’s FY2025 procurement
Extra funds will enable the branch to manage vessel acquisition programmes better.
-
Australia pushes ahead on reinstating heavy landing capability with selection of Damen
Australia has been without a heavy landing capability since the retirement of the last of eight Balikpapan Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) vessels in 2014. Work on new ships is expected to begin in 2026.
-
UK and US marines train to guard nuclear deterrent submarines
The Autumn round of Tartan Eagle training just concluded in Scotland.
-
Saab and Singapore DSTA expand their understanding on undersea defence
The organisations have broadened the remit of an existing MoU to help boost underwater defence innovation.