Editing Lockheed AC-130 (section)

===Future===
{{As of|2023}}, AC-130 gunships have been providing close air support for special operators for 56 years. Although the aircraft have been kept relevant through constant upgrades to their weaponry, sensor packages, and countermeasures, they are not expected to be survivable in future nonpermissive environments due to their high signatures and low airspeeds. Military analysts, such as the [[Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments]], have suggested that AFSOC invest in more advanced technologies to fill the role to operate in future contested combat zones, including a mix of low-cost disposable unmanned and stealthy strike aircraft.<ref>Sandra I. Erwin, [http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1143 "Air Force Commandos Will Have Fewer Aircraft, More Firepower"] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20150206143420/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1143 |date=6 February 2015}} ''National Defense Magazine'', 15 May 2013</ref>

AFSOC is considering a number of changes to the AC-130J in order to make it effective against advanced adversaries including removing the [[M102 howitzer|105mm cannon]] and upgrading the aircraft with small [[cruise missile]]s, an [[AESA radar]], and adaptive mission networking enhancements.<ref name="defensenews7nov23"/> In 2025, it was announced that the aircraft has carried out launch tests of [[Black Arrow (missile)|Black Arrow]], also known as the Small Cruise Missile (SCL) using its Ramp Launch Tubes.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Newdick |first1=Thomas |title=AC-130J Ghostrider Gunship Launches Black Arrow Small Cruise Missile In New Video |url=https://www.twz.com/air/ac-130j-ghostrider-gunship-launches-black-arrow-small-cruise-missile-in-new-video |website=The War Zone |access-date=6 April 2025 |date=5 April 2025}}</ref>