Lockheed Martin has delivered the first of four HC-130J Combat King II aircraft to the Alaska Air National Guard (AK ANG).
The new aircraft will be operated by the 211th Rescue Squadron (RQS), 176th Wing stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
The four HC-130J Combat King II aircraft will replace legacy HC-130Ps previously operated by the 211th RQS. The new aircraft will support personnel recovery missions in Alaska and the Pacific Theatre and act as aerial refuellers for the Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk search and rescue helicopters.
The HC-130J can perform airdrop, airland, helicopter air-to-air refuelling and forward-area ground refuelling missions. It also supports humanitarian aid operations, disaster response, security cooperation/aviation advisory, emergency aeromedical evacuation and non-combatant evacuation operations.
George Shultz, vice president and general manager, Air Mobility and Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin, said: ‘The delivery of this HC-130J Combat King II represents a new era for both the Air National Guard and the Alaska Guard. This aircraft provides the increased capabilities and enhanced performance that is essential for these airmen to support their search and rescue mission.’
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
The US Navy published a pre-solicitation notice of intent for the third phase of the F-35 Reprogramming Verification & Validation System. Meanwhile, with a five-year delay in its schedule, GAO foresees more postponements in the completion of the Block 4 effort.
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.
Connect with us on socials
