The Air Force is seeking $216 million as part of the Administration’s $70 billion defense supplemental request. The service wants to replace three MC-130H Combat Talons that have been “lost during contingencies.” USAF plans to convert three existing C-130Hs into Talon special operations configuration and replace the standard cargo aircraft with three new C-130Js to maintain the current size of the tactical airlift fleet.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.