The US Air Force has granted a $74-million contract to R4‑Integration to integrate Ku/Ka beyond line-of-sight communication systems across 39 HC‑130J Combat King II aircraft.
Through the firm-fixed-price agreement, R4-Integration will provide the complete hardware and software package, conduct integration and testing of trial kits, manufacture installation kits and spare components, and deliver satellite communications services to enable broader connectivity across Ku- and Ka-band frequencies.
The upgrade work will be performed at several Air Force installations, including Davis‑Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, and Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, among others, with project completion targeted for June 2030. The initial contract funding draws from fiscal 2025 resources under the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies program as well as the National Guard and Reserve Equipment Account.
The HC-130J fleet has seen several capability upgrades and new deliveries in recent years aimed at strengthening mission performance. Recently, the US Coast Guard received its 18th mission-equipped HC-130J long-range surveillance aircraft, fitted with the Minotaur Mission Systems Suite and advanced multi-mode radar systems developed by L3Harris Technologies.
The aircraft will support maritime security and homeland defense missions from locations such as Sacramento, California and Barbers Point, Hawaii.
Earlier in January 2025, another milestone was reached when the service accepted its 17th HC-130J Combat King II aircraft as part of a broader aerial mission systems modernization effort designed to integrate common sensors and communications systems throughout the fleet, improving surveillance and operational command functions.
In a separate development in 2025, Raytheon was awarded a $100-million contract to support the HC-130J Combat King II fleet by upgrading and repairing electro-optical and infrared systems that are essential for personnel recovery and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. ✈️
