Air Force Mission Defense Team Conducts In-Flight Test of MC-130J Cyber Suite

The Air Force’s 27th Special Operations Communications Squadron Mission Defense Team has completed an in-flight test of the new cyber suite aboard the MC-130J Commando II aircraft.

The feat marked the first time the MDT’s capabilities were connected to an operational weapon system outside of laboratories.

Cyber analysis conducted by the team could shape preventative maintenance functions for the MC-130J and could predict requirements needed to harden operations, Defense News reported.

According to 27th Special Operations Communications Squadron MDT flight chief Master Sgt. Javier Parris, the ability to deliver near real-time mission system cyber analysis gives mission owners insight into the weapon system’s critical components and inputs.

As a result, aircrews achieve enhanced situational awareness and speed up the time it takes to react to emerging cyber intrusions, Parris said in a statement.

Maj. Emily Short, commander of the 27th Special Operations Communications Squadron, added that the demonstration showcased her unit’s efforts to help overcome the challenges of the future strategic competition environment.

With the successful demo, the MDT’s capabilities have been approved for integration into flight operations with the MC-130J while it is in flight.

The 27th Special Operations Wing is headquartered at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico. Its core missions include close air support, agile combat support, information operations, precision strike, forward presence and engagement, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations, and specialized mobility.