Commandant Gen. James Conway says the Marine Corps has launched Harvest Hawk to provide it with a gunship-like capability aboard its KC-130J transport-tankers as a short-term fix for fire support needed by marines on the ground, according to a CongressDaily report by Otto Kreisher. Conway, speaking at a Center for Strategic and International Studies forum May 15, said the marines “have lusted for years” over the capability provided by the Air Force’s AC-130 gunships. With money tight, the marines have opted to develop a roll-on, roll-off package that comprises a 30mm rapid-fire gun and Hellfire missiles that can be installed within hours on their J model Hercules. According to a sole-source notice issued last month, C-130-maker Lockheed Martin has been asked to modify up to three KC-130Js for Harvest Hawk, including adding a targeting sensor and operator station. Conway said he expects to field at least one before the end of 2009 in operations in Afghanistan. As a longer-term fix, Conway said the marines want to employ the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships for fire support.
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.