Top Leadership Urges Congress to Fund Replacement Aircraft at Six Units Annually to Stay on Track for 2030
The Navy Reserve is currently falling behind in its efforts to modernize its aging fleet of C-130T cargo planes, which it plans to replace with more capable KC-130J aircraft. During a House Appropriations defense subcommittee hearing, Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore, chief of the Navy Reserve, emphasized the urgent need for Congressional intervention to meet the 2030 goal of fleet renewal.
Current Shortfall Hampers Modernization Progress
Lacore acknowledged that the Navy Reserve began the recapitalization process in 2024 but is not on schedule. She reported having received only one KC-130J in fiscal year 2024 and two in 2025, highlighting that to remain on track, the Reserve must procure about six aircraft annually through the out years.
“This recap journey started in 2024 and we’re behind glide slope,” Lacore told lawmakers. “The plan was to reach 32 aircraft by 2030. We need to be looking at six per year now to get where we need to go.”
Aging Fleet Facing Operational Challenges
The Navy Reserve currently operates 27 aircraft—comprising both C-130T cargo planes and KC-130T refueling aircraft—all built by Lockheed Martin. These aircraft have an average age of 34 years, and are increasingly hampered by obsolete parts, high operating costs, and low mission-capable rates.
As Lacore explained, only about 40% of the current fleet is mission capable, significantly lower than the projected 75% for the newer KC-130Js. The older fleet’s limitations restrict logistical support capabilities and fleet readiness.
KC-130J Offers Superior Capabilities and Survivability
Replacing the aging aircraft with KC-130Js represents the Navy Reserve’s highest modernization priority. These newer aircraft boast advanced mission systems that enhance survivability, including the AN/ALE-47 Airborne Countermeasures Dispenser System, AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning System, and AN/ALR56M Radar Warning Receiver.
Lacore highlighted the benefits: “We anticipate doubling our sortie rate, tripling our service radius in combat, and in austere airfield operations, increasing capacity by eight times the current availability.”
Call for Congressional Funding to Ensure Fleet Modernization
As the fiscal 2026 budget rollout approaches, Lacore, along with leaders from the Army and Air Force Reserve components and the National Guard, urged Congress to support sustained funding. With no specific budget request currently available, they emphasized the importance of consistent investment in reserve and guard units, particularly concerning personnel and equipment procurement.
Conclusion
The Navy Reserve’s continued success in modernizing its logistics and support fleet hinges on increased and steady congressional funding. Failing to meet the six-aircraft-per-year target risks delaying critical upgrades necessary for sustaining force readiness and operational effectiveness into the next decade.
