U.S. Special Operations Command awards $105 million contract to Merlin Labs for C-130J autonomy

Merlin Labs/Merlin Pilot

USSOCOM awarded Merlin Labs a $105 million indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract to develop reduced-crew autonomous flight capabilities for the C-130J Super Hercules. Work spans design, integration, ground testing, and flight demonstrations through June 2029.

• Contract enables scaling from Merlin Pilot's proven Cessna Caravan platform to the large military transport.
• Includes full autonomy development: design, integration, testing, and takeoff-to-landing demonstration.
• Work performed in Boston, Centennial (Colorado), and Eglin Air Force Base through June 2029.