The US Navy's E-130J Phoenix II program, intended to replace the aging E-6B Mercury jets, has been delayed by approximately one year. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) raised concerns last year about the program's choice of a C-130-based aircraft, warning it might not meet operational availability requirements.
The E-130J is set to supplant the E-6B in support of the Take Charge And Move Out (TACAMO) mission, providing aerial command and control support for nuclear ballistic missile submarines. However, the program has faced significant technical risks, including system integration and weight reduction issues.
The Navy plans to acquire six pre-production E-130Js in Fiscal Year 2027, with a critical design review expected at the end of next year. The decision to move into low-rate initial production is now projected to occur in April 2029. The delay poses challenges for the Navy, as the existing E-6B fleet is becoming increasingly difficult to operate and sustain due to its age.
