NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md., —The U.S. Navy announced today the award of a $3.5 billion contract to Northrop Grumman Corp. for the mission-systems integration of the E-130J, the successor to the E-6B Mercury for the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission. This critical program supports the nation’s nuclear deterrence capabilities by ensuring robust communication links with nuclear forces.
Contract Details
Northrop Grumman, headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, will serve as the prime contractor to integrate TACAMO mission systems, including Collins Aerospace’s Very Low Frequency system, into Lockheed Martin’s government-furnished C-130J-30 airframes.
The contract covers the development of three Engineering Development Models (EDMs), with options for up to three System Demonstration Test Articles (SDTAs) and six additional production aircraft. Directed subcontractors Collins Aerospace and Lockheed Martin will assist with integration and airworthiness.
Significance of the TACAMO Mission
“Our TACAMO mission is foundational to our nation’s nuclear Triad,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. “The E-130J will carry on the proud legacy of Navy TACAMO aircraft and keep our nation safe.”
The TACAMO mission ensures survivable, reliable, and endurable airborne communication between national leadership and U.S. nuclear forces, even in scenarios where ground-based communication is unavailable.
Advancing Naval Aviation
Capt. Adam Scott, program manager for the Navy’s Airborne Strategic Command, Control and Communications Program Office (PMA-271), emphasized the importance of the E-130J in modernizing U.S. nuclear deterrence capabilities.
“Today is a tremendous day for the future of naval aviation’s contribution to our nation’s nuclear deterrence mission,” said Capt. Scott. “The E-130J will ensure our nation’s leadership is always connected to its nuclear forces for decades to come.”
Competitive Selection
The Navy awarded the contract after a rigorous competitive source selection process, which began with a request for proposals on Sept. 21, 2023, and concluded with the selection of Northrop Grumman based on technical approach and cost.
The E-130J program aligns with broader nuclear modernization efforts, including Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, B-21 Raider bombers, and the Sentinel system, which will replace Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles.
A Legacy of Critical Missions
The E-6B Mercury, which the E-130J will replace for the TACAMO mission, serves as a communications relay and strategic airborne command post. It fulfills the dual roles of the TACAMO mission and the Looking Glass mission, providing airborne launch control for land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles.
The E-130J will relieve the E-6B of the TACAMO mission, ensuring leadership retains the ability to communicate with nuclear forces in all conditions.
Future Development
The work to integrate TACAMO mission systems into the E-130J airframes begins immediately, led by PMA-271, headquartered at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. PMA-271’s mission is to deliver survivable, reliable, and endurable airborne command, control, and communications capabilities for the president, secretary of defense, and U.S. Strategic Command.
