I understand the need for the C-17 but how needed are the C-130's in the longer term scheme of things ?
Will we end up with too much large, long term strategic capacity and too little
C-130 tactical capacity and landing options ?
I can't see them getting any more than an additional 5th or 6th C-17s (A330s also provides a lot of lift). So plenty of room for something smaller.
The Caribou replacement plans calls for something like a C-27j (ie. 10t cargo). There might also be plans for more Army Chinooks.