The United States Navy recently awarded a $3.4 billion contract to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation to develop and deliver the E-130J, a new nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) aircraft as part of the Navy’s efforts to modernize its fleet and enhance deterrence.
The E-130J, performing the “Take Charge and Move Out” (TACAMO) mission, will replace the aging E-6B Mercury currently in service.
“Today is a tremendous day for the future of naval aviation’s contribution to our nation’s nuclear deterrence mission,” said Capt. Adam Scott, program manager for the Navy’s Airborne Strategic C3 Program Office “With the selection of Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation as the prime contractor for the TACAMO Recapitalization Program, we are ready to move out with developing this critical asset. In carrying on the legacy of the E-6B Mercury, the E-130J will ensure our nation’s leadership is always connected to its nuclear forces for decades to come.”
The E-130J’s advanced features include state-of-the-art avionics, enhanced communication systems and improved survivability measures, enabling the aircraft to operate in contested environments and maintain continuous communication with strategic forces, regardless of the threat landscape.
The TACAMO mission dates back to the Cold War era. Initially established in the 1960s, the program was designed to provide survivable communication links between the president and the nation’s nuclear forces. Over the years, the mission has evolved to incorporate new technologies and adapt to emerging threats.
The current E-6B Mercury a modified Boeing 707 aircraft, has served as the backbone of the TACAMO mission since 1989. The transition to the E-130J marks a new chapter in the TACAMO mission and will ensure that the United States maintains a robust and resilient NC3 system, which is critical in today’s rapidly evolving security environment.