Washington, D.C. (May 30, 2025) | Rep. Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) issued the following statement following his bipartisan request to Subcommittee on Defense Chairman Rep. Calvert and Ranking Member Rep. McCollum for funding of C-130J procurement as part of FY2026 defense appropriations.
“America’s national security depends on the capability and lethality of our Armed Forces. Ensuring that our brave men and women in uniform have the tools they need to protect our interests at home and abroad is critical, and I am committed to making sure our military is equipped to face the challenges of both the present and the future.
“Older, 30+ year old variants of the C-130J platform lack sufficient missile warning systems, leaving them vulnerable to the anti-air capabilities of adversarial nations — further highlighting the need for renewed production. Continued procurement of the C-130J aircraft is essential to ensure the timely transport of both personnel and equipment, as current inventories continue to age. A significant drop in production over the next three years could severely undermine our national security — and that of our allies — at a dangerous time in world affairs.”
IAM Union International President, Brian Bryant said in support: “The C-130J is the only U.S.-made airlift currently in production, and a stable and efficient production line is vital in supporting current and future Department of Defense and allied nation airlift requirements,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “The C-130J production line provides for thousands of high-skilled IAM Union jobs and supports more than 27,000 jobs across its nationwide supply chain.”
The Reserve Organization of America says: “The Reserve Organization of America thanks Congressman Loudermilk for championing the modernization of the aging C-130 fleet,” said Matthew Schwartzman, Director of Legislation and Military Policy at the Reserve Organization of America. “Upgrading this vital airlift platform ensures our Reserve and National Guard forces remain ready, capable, and equipped to meet today’s mission demands. Modernizing the C-130 is not just an investment in aircraft; it is an investment in the readiness of the force and in the citizen-warriors who fly, maintain, and rely on this critical capability amid evolving global threats.”
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