USCG receives eighth Minotaur missionised HC-130J
The US Coast Guard (USCG) has received its eighth HC-130J Super Hercules long range surveillance aircraft equipped with the Minotaur mission system suite.
Integration work was completed at L3 Technologies’ facility in Waco, Texas.
The aircraft, CGNR 2011, was originally delivered to the coast guard in its baseline configuration in 2017. It was outfitted with Minotaur software as well as coast guard-specific integrated radar, sensors and communication systems in a process called missionisation, after which the aircraft was re-designated as an HC-130J.
The Coast Guard currently has 15 HC-130J aircraft in either operational use or active production. The agency also plans to do a block upgrade for all its HC-130J aircraft.
The HC-130J fleet provides critical support to the US Department of Homeland Security partners as well as logistical support during routine coast guard operations. The aircraft is capable of serving as a C2 platform or as a surveillance platform to detect, classify and identify objects and share that information with operational forces.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles]()
The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
-
![The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea]()
The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
-
![Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA]()
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
![L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts]()
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
![Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS]()
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
![BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft]()
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
