The HC-130J requires an update to its defensive systems to make it survivable in peer operating environments. Upgrades to the ALQ-253 software are needed to ensure it can meet system capabilities and enable the ALQ-253 to integrate into evolving defensive systems to include jamming systems, updated expendable munitions (chaff and flares), increase in dispense buckets, and expanded pattern programming.

Background. The HC-130J requires an update to its defensive systems to make it survivable in
peer operating environments. Upgrades to the ALQ-253 software are needed to ensure it can
meet system capabilities and enable the ALQ-253 to integrate into evolving defensive systems to
include jamming systems, updated expendable munitions (chaff and flares), increase in dispense
buckets, and expanded pattern programming. The defensive systems need to be updated to allow
aircrew the ability to fly against training profiles in realistic threat scenarios developed and
executed by the Virtual Electronic Countermeasure Training System (VECTS) and maximized the
defensive capability using Threat Response Processing (TRP) programming offered in parallel to
the VECTS software.