Feb. 9, 2026 —
CGNR 2018 – the 18th missionized HC-130J long range surveillance aircraft in the Coast Guard fleet – during flight testing at L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems in Waco, Texas.
The Coast Guard took delivery of its 18th fully missionized HC-130J long range surveillance aircraft on Feb. 7, 2026, at L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems in Waco, Texas. The aircraft – designated CGNR 2018 – will support the transition of Air Station Sacramento, California, from C-27J aircraft to HC-130Js. Three Coast Guard air stations currently operate the HC-130J: Elizabeth City, North Carolina; Kodiak, Alaska; and Barbers Point, Hawaii.
The Coast Guard received $1.142 billion in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for the procurement and acquisition of fixed wing aircraft, including HC-130Js. This landmark investment in the Coast Guard, combined with an early delivery of CGNR 2018, enables the long range surveillance fleet to expand HC-130J operations to two additional air stations, starting with Air Station Sacramento later this year.
L3Harris executes missionization of the baseline C-130J aircraft, which includes integrating the Minotaur Mission System Suite as well as Coast Guard-specific multi-mode radar, sensors and communication systems. Additional capabilities including enhanced approach and landing systems, expanded diagnostics and civil GPS were integrated as part of a Block Upgrade 8.1 installation. While the missionization process takes approximately one year, L3 Harris delivered CGNR 2018 two months ahead of contract delivery schedule and within all cost parameters.
Including funds included through the OBBBA, the Coast Guard has been provided appropriations for a total of 25 HC-130J aircraft, one HC-130J simulator, initial spare parts inventory and site activation for the two additional air stations.
The Coast Guard’s HC-130J fleet is a proven asset that continues to play an important role in the Coast Guard’s mission to deliver value to the nation. These aircraft can serve as an on-scene command and control platform or as a surveillance platform with the means to detect, classify and identify objects and share that information with operational forces. Once airborne, it has a cruise speed of 320 knots, a range of 4,900 nautical miles and an endurance of 20+ hours. Leveraging these capabilities, the missionized HC-130J enables the Coast Guard to control, secure and defend the U.S. border and maritime approaches, facilitate commerce and respond to crises or contingencies.
For more information: HC-130J Long Range Surveillance Aircraft and Minotaur Mission System program pages