The Lexington Institute’s Loren Thompson has just issued a new 14-page report “C-130J: How the Best Military Aircraft Became Even Better” that extols the many virtues of the C-130 Hercules, which he terms “the most successful aircraft in the history of military aviation.” The point of the report is to cast light on “a versatile, rugged, affordable plane” whose “remarkable durability has worked against it in the corridors of power.” In short, the many versions of the Hercules still flying in the US military, particularly in the Air Force, are getting old and need replacement, soon. Thompson recommends the US develop a long-term plan to continue production of the newest version, the C-130J Super Hercules, because there is no other viable substitute for this aircraft that serves as a tactical airlifter, medical evacuation aircraft, aerial refueler, gunship for close air support, communications jammer, weather reconnaissance aircraft, and more. He recommends a multiyear purchase of at least 16 aircraft per year for the US, supplemented by foreign orders as the “most cost-effective” approach.
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
