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
-
![Australian Government looks inwards to drop Chinese-made DJI drones]()
Australian Government looks inwards to drop Chinese-made DJI drones
Over the next decade the Australian Department of Defence (DoD) says it will invest some A$600 million of approved funding into the development and introduction of a range of airborne, surface and subsurface uncrewed systems.
-
![Lockheed nets $43 million US Army contract for Black Hawk modernisation]()
Lockheed nets $43 million US Army contract for Black Hawk modernisation
The initial funds will focus on the foundational capabilities to modernise the attack helicopter, including digital architecture that will allow for launched effects and UAS integration.
-
![New Zealand to procure MH-60R and A321XLR aircraft as plan to “rebuild” the NZDF begins]()
New Zealand to procure MH-60R and A321XLR aircraft as plan to “rebuild” the NZDF begins
The MH-60R Seahawk and A321XLR aircraft are the first procurement announcements designed to help delivery of a more combat capable and interoperable fleet to the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), as outlined in the New Zealand government’s April Defence Capability Plan.
-
![USAF to use augmented reality technology in F-16 cockpit]()
USAF to use augmented reality technology in F-16 cockpit
The US Air Force awarded Red6 a contract to install its ATARS software into the aircraft to provide new training solutions, following successful integrations in the T-38 Talon and MC-130.
