One would think that the C-130J has already “graduated,” considering its made its first combat air drop on June 30 in Southwest Asia. Yet, the newest Hercules has to complete the formal phase 2 of its qualification operational test and evaluation. The C-130Js must complete 24-hour surge operations and interoperability testing with Army equipment and personnel, flying out of Little Rock AFB, Ark., and, in December, cold weather testing from Eielson AFB, Alaska, before it gets a rating of fully operational.
The Pentagon has concluded a new agreement to buy laser-guidance kits that turn rockets into drone-killing weapons. BAE Systems and the Defense Department announced a framework deal of up to seven years for 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits annually for the U.S. military.