US Special Operations Command seeks Starlink service integration for AC‑130J Ghostrider

The United States Special Operations Command and the Air Force Special Operations Command have issued a Sources‑Sought announcement as part of a market survey aimed at identifying secure, ruggedized satellite‑communication solutions for the AC‑130J “Ghostrider” gunship.

The Request for Information (RFI) document released this week calls for vendors capable of integrating SpaceX’s Starlink/Starshield constellation into the aircraft to provide reliable beyond‑line‑of‑sight connectivity for a range of networked mission systems.

The RFI does not constitute a solicitation for bids, quotes, or proposals. It primarily serves as a research tool to gauge industry capability and inform future acquisition strategies. While no contract is promised, respondents will be evaluated against a set of six criteria that reflect the unique operational demands of special‑operations aerospace platforms.

Key evaluation criteria

1. Ruggedized, removable installation – Solutions must be suitable for semi‑permanent mounting on the Ghostrider, employing off‑the‑shelf secure aviation SATCOM terminals that can endure the full flight envelope of global special‑operations missions. A roll‑on/roll‑off (RORO) capability is also sought.
2. Compatibility with other C‑130 variants – Designs should be readily adaptable to the broader C‑130 fleet, supporting both operational deployments and test‑and‑evaluation activities.
3. Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) efficiency – Proposals must minimize SWaP while delivering the required network performance in harsh environments.
4. Network reliability and performance – The system must enable secure, global connectivity with high download/upload speeds and low latency, essential for time‑critical mission data.
5. Open‑source interfaces and architecture – Vendors are expected to employ open‑source frameworks to ensure seamless integration with current and future Special Operations Force platforms.
6. Support and third‑party collaboration – Respondents must offer 24/7/365 secure‑operations support and demonstrate willingness to work with third-party integrators to expand capability.

The RFI also requests product literature, recent project summaries—preferably those involving the Department of War—and any relevant experience supporting the Department of Homeland Security. The information gathered will inform how the Starlink/Starshield network can be hardened for military use, addressing concerns such as encryption, anti‑jamming, and resilience against cyber threats.