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
-
Royal Canadian Navy’s SEA Torpedo Launcher Systems to enter production in Ottawa in November
The article acceptance testing for the TLS is scheduled for the end of 2026.
-
Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
-
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation
Satellite navigation is increasingly critical for global maritime defence, and Low Earth Orbit satellites are rapidly overtaking the traditional and more widely used Medium Earth Orbit option as they are less susceptible to jamming or spoofing.