End of an Era: Final MC-130J Delivered to USAF
The U.S. Air Force has taken delivery of its final Lockheed Martin MC-130J Commando II, marking the end of a 13-year program that revolutionized special operations aviation.

Photo Source: The Aviationist
The U.S. Air Force recently concluded its specialized Hercules acquisition program with the delivery of the last Lockheed Martin MC-130J Commando II. This milestone marks the 64th MC-130J received and the culmination of a 13-year program dedicated to enhancing special operations capabilities.
The aircraft underwent final mission-specific modifications at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, before being delivered to Cannon AFB, New Mexico, on January 14. The upgrades included specialized communications equipment, a blue force tracker, and modifications to the ramp and antenna systems.
Air Force Special Operations Command first welcomed the MC-130J to Cannon in 2011. Lt. Gen. Donna Shipton of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center praised the program as a prime example of effective acquisition for specialized capabilities.
While no additional MC-130Js are expected, ongoing upgrades include advanced radar systems like the Silent Knight terrain-following radar, a new communications suite, and radio frequency countermeasures.
The Air Force continues to procure standard C-130Js, though there is ongoing debate about the necessity of further orders.