C-130J Recapitalization

Priority

Air National Guard

Problem

The Air National Guard C-130H Hercules fleet requires continued funding for modernization and C-130J recapitalization to ensure its aircraft can successfully engage in overseas contingency operations and respond to homeland emergencies well into the future.

Recommendation

The National Guard of the United States (NGAUS), strongly urges Congress to:

24 C-130J Aircraft for the Air National Guard
Prohibiting the reduction of C-130J Aircraft Assigned to the Air National Guard

Background

The Air National Guard C-130 fleet is comprised of both the C-130H Hercules, which is over 30 years old, and the newer C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. Because the Air Force plans to continue utilizing the C-130 fleet well beyond 2040, it is critical to modernize the Air National Guard C-130H fleet with modern technology while continuing to recapitalize its aging fleet with new C-130J aircraft. Funding critical modernization efforts will ensure the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of the Air National Guard C-130 fleet, both at home and abroad. Thanks to Congress, the procurement of C-130J aircraft for the Air National Guard has been included in defense appropriations each year since Fiscal Year 2017. To date, only five Air National Guard units remain flying the C-130H model – Nevada, Missouri, Delaware, Arkansas, and the New York Air National Guard. Continued support by Congress to recapitalize these remaining five states with C-130J models remains a top priority for NGAUS.