With the C-130J Block 7.0 configuration in flight trials, Lockheed Martin received a $167 million contract from the Air Force to develop a follow-on Block 8.1 package, announced the company. Currently equipped to the Block 6.0 standard, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Super Hercules aircraft will receive protected communication, navigation, air-traffic-management, and identification avionics, in addition to physical enhancements like covert operations lighting under the Block 8.1 upgrade. “Throughout its history, the C-130 has constantly changed and adapted to ensure it is always relevant and meeting the latest operational requirements,” said Lorraine Martin, Lockheed’s C-130 program vice president. In addition to US aircraft, the company said it will also offer the upgrade option to international C-130J operators. “The Block Upgrade Program ensures interoperability across the worldwide C-130J fleet. This sophisticated degree of commonality . . . is one reason the proven Hercules is in such high demand,” added Martin.
The war in Ukraine isn’t likely to end soon, because Russia is gaining ground, making more munitions, and getting more help from China, Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told lawmakers May 2.