This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed Martin to Supply Training Systems for U.S. Navy’s E-130J Phoenix II Fleet

On April 29, 2026, Lockheed Martin announced its role in delivering advanced training devices and services for the U.S. Navy’s incoming E-130J Phoenix II aircraft. According to the company’s press release, Lockheed Martin will operate as part of an industry team led by Northrop Grumman to prepare naval personnel for the critical Take Charge And Move Out (TACAMO) mission.

The E-130J Phoenix II is slated to become the Navy’s future airborne nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) hub. Derived from the C-130J-30 Super Hercules airframe, the new fleet will replace the aging E-6B Mercury aircraft, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity between U.S. decision-makers and the strategic weapons triad.

By leveraging its position as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the C-130J, Lockheed Martin aims to provide high-fidelity simulations that accurately recreate the complex avionics and communications environments of the highly modified E-130J well before it officially enters operational service.

The TACAMO Mission and Fleet Modernization

Ensuring Strategic Connectivity

The TACAMO mission provides a highly secure, survivable military communications link. In the event of a nuclear conflict or if ground-based communication links are compromised, TACAMO ensures uninterrupted connectivity between the National Command Authority and the strategic weapons triad, most notably, the Navy’s fleet of nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarines.

Transitioning to the Phoenix II

The U.S. Navy officially designated the new Military-Aircraft “Phoenix II” in August 2025. According to historical data provided in the project overview, the name symbolizes rebirth and serves as a direct nod to the Lockheed Martin EC-130Q, a previous Hercules variant that successfully performed the TACAMO mission from 1963 to 1993.

The E-130J will replace the Navy’s current fleet of 16 E-6B Mercury aircraft. The E-6B, which is based on the Boeing 707 airliner, has been in service for over three decades. The transition to the E-130J is expected to begin in Fiscal Year 2028. To accommodate specialized crew and equipment, the E-130J utilizes the C-130J-30 airframe, which features a fuselage 15 feet longer than the base model.

Industry Teaming and Training Scope

Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin Partnership

While Lockheed Martin manufactures the base airframe and will handle the training systems, Northrop Grumman serves as the prime contractor for the program. Northrop Grumman was selected by the Navy to integrate the complex NC3 systems and deliver the final E-130J weapon system to the military.

High-Fidelity Simulation

Lockheed Martin’s specific scope of work involves supplying training devices and services to help Navy personnel master the E-130J’s advanced mission systems, Very Low Frequency (VLF) communications, and integrated command and control capabilities. Because of the inherent concurrency between the base C-130J and the modified E-130J, the company can accelerate the production of these training environments.

“As the original equipment manufacturer of the C-130J, Lockheed Martin is uniquely qualified to partner with Northrop Grumman to meet the U.S. Navy’s E-130J training requirements. Our expertise in the aircraft’s design and performance allows us to recreate real-world avionics and communications environments, ensuring highly realistic and effective training.”
, Todd Morar, Vice President of Air and Commercial Solutions at Lockheed Martin

AirPro News analysis

We note that this announcement underscores Lockheed Martin’s expanding dominance in the military training sector, particularly concerning the Hercules airframe. Just weeks prior, on April 14, 2026, Lockheed Martin secured a $1.9 billion sole-source contract for the C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System (MATS) IV. That 10-year agreement expanded their training support to include the U.S. Navy Reserve and U.S. Coast Guard, cementing the company’s position as the primary architect of pilot and maintenance training for the global Super Hercules fleet.

Furthermore, the rapid development and funding of the E-130J program highlight the Pentagon’s ongoing prioritization of modernizing its nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) infrastructure. As global strategic tensions evolve, maintaining a credible and survivable deterrent remains a top priority for the Department of Defense, which is directly reflected in the accelerated timeline for the Phoenix II deployment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the E-130J Phoenix II?

The E-130J Phoenix II is the U.S. Navy’s future airborne nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) aircraft. It is based on the Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 Super Hercules airframe.

What is the TACAMO mission?

“Take Charge And Move Out” (TACAMO) is a highly secure military communications link that connects U.S. decision-makers to the strategic weapons triad, ensuring communication with nuclear-armed submarines even if ground networks are destroyed.

When will the E-130J replace the E-6B Mercury?

The transition from the aging E-6B Mercury fleet to the new E-130J Phoenix II aircraft is expected to begin in Fiscal Year 2028.

Sources

• Lockheed Martin Official Press Release