Starlink’s footprint inside the aviation world could soon extend well beyond commercial airliners. According to a new report from DefenseScoop, the U.S. Air Force is exploring the possibility of equipping its AC-130J Ghostrider gunships with Starlink — or its military-focused counterpart, Starshield — to dramatically enhance in-flight connectivity.
Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) recently issued a request for information stating it is conducting market research for “ruggedized Starlink/Starshield integration solutions onto AC-130J Ghostrider.” The goal is to improve beyond-line-of-sight satellite communications, a critical capability for special operations aircraft that routinely operate in contested and remote environments.
The AC-130J Ghostrider is no ordinary aircraft. It’s a heavily armed variant of the C-130J Hercules, outfitted with advanced sensors, precision-guided munitions, and specialized communications systems to deliver close air support and armed reconnaissance for ground forces. Adding Starlink or Starshield terminals could significantly boost secure, high-speed data transfer while reducing latency compared to legacy military satellite systems.
DefenseScoop noted that AFSOC is specifically looking for solutions that can provide secure global connectivity while also being flexible enough to be removed from the Ghostrider and ported to other C-130 variants. This roll-on, roll-off capability would allow the Air Force to test and deploy the technology across multiple platforms without permanent modifications.
Starlink’s growing aviation presence makes this move feel like a natural next step. As of 2025, Starlink internet has been installed on roughly 1,400 commercial aircraft, serving more than 21 million passengers worldwide. Military aviation, however, is an entirely different challenge — one that SpaceX began addressing in late 2023 with the launch of Starshield, a dedicated, encrypted satellite network built specifically for government and national security use.
If adopted, Starlink or Starshield terminals could give U.S. Air Force gunships faster, more resilient connectivity during real-world operations. Interested vendors have until January 30 to submit proposals, suggesting this effort is still in its early stages — but the implications could be significant.
