# US Navy E-130J Phoenix II procurement

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-navy-e-130j-phoenix-ii-procurement
> Updated: 2026-10-18T17:42:40.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

The U.S. Navy has begun the transition to the E-130J Phoenix II platform following the delivery of the first C-130J-30 Super Hercules from Lockheed Martin. The delivery occurred on October 15 at a facility in Marietta, Georgia.

This aircraft is intended to fulfill the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) mission, providing airborne nuclear command, control, and communications (NC3) to maintain secure links between U.S. command authorities and nuclear forces, such as ballistic missile submarines. The E-130J program will eventually replace the legacy Boeing E-6B Mercury. 

Following the initial delivery, the airframe will be transferred to Northrop Grumman, the program’s prime contractor, to integrate mission systems. This initial procurement involves three aircraft ordered in September 2024, designed to modernize strategic deterrence through advanced avionics, increased range, and enhanced payload capacity.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: Lockheed Martin delivers first Hercules for US Navy nuclear command mission

Lockheed Martin delivered the first C-130J Super Hercules to be converted into the E-130J Phoenix II, a specialized aircraft for the US Navy's nuclear command and control communications mission.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lockheed-martin-delivers-first-hercules-for-us-navy-nuclear-command-mission

### 2026-10-16: U.S. Navy receives first C-130J-30 for TACAMO mission

The U.S. Navy has received its first C-130J-30 Super Hercules from Lockheed Martin to begin developing the E-130J Phoenix II for next-generation nuclear command and control missions.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-navy-receives-first-c-130j-30-for-tacamo-mission

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Cite as: US Navy E-130J Phoenix II procurement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-navy-e-130j-phoenix-ii-procurement