U.S. Coast Guard orders six Lockheed Martin C-130Js, expanding aircraft program to 25

The US Coast Guard ordered six additional Lockheed Martin C-130J aircraft on September 24, expanding its long-range surveillance acquisition programme to 25 aircraft. The purchase uses existing Air Force contracts and up to $735 million in funding, with deliveries scheduled from fiscal 2028 through fiscal 2030. Aircraft will initially arrive in baseline transport configuration before separate missionization contracts equip them for HC-130J service. The fleet supports search and rescue, counterdrug operations and migrant interdiction, with the additional aircraft also supporting expanded operations beyond existing bases in North Carolina, Alaska and Hawaii.