Air Force will probably cancel JSTARS recapitalization this month

www.defensenews.com...

a reply to: Zaphod58

So, they have a system in J-stars that is, so far as I know, a very capable platform, but needs upgrades etc... (I'm assuming that's what this recap is), but want to replace it with an entirely new system that isn't remotely ready?

The J-Star is a capable platform, isn't it?

a reply to: seagull

J-STARS is extremely capable, but it's based on second hand retired airliners. The airframes are old and worn out, in addition to the radar being developed in the 80s. The recapitalization will get new radars and new, smaller airframes.

The problem with the system is, as with almost everything else, survivability. The current, and new platform won't be able to at any range they'd be useful at until a lot of the defenses are rolled back.

The argument being put forward by the Air Force is that we have platforms that can do enough of what the E-8C does to cover the mission, that are more survivable than either J-STARS, old or new would be. They want to use those platforms to do the mission, while spending money on the ABMS, which is something we're going to need in the near future.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Its dead, Zaph...

www.defensenews.com...

a reply to: anzha

www.c4isrnet.com...

Here's what may replace it.

huh.

I smell problems with jammers. What do others think?

a reply to: anzha

It always makes me nervous to go with linked systems and multiple platforms to do one mission in a group like they're describing.

a reply to: anzha

Its too ambitious. They are trying to do everything at once with one giant program/strategy/plan whatever

just look at the buzzwords they are spilling out
*machine intelligence* *artificial intelligence* *human-machine teaming* *high-altitude reconnaissance platforms*
*ISR for and from space* *ISR for and from cyber* *penetrating, stand-off and persistent capabilities*
*miniature drones, space-based sensors, hypersonics, smart weapons* *structured data infrastructure with a multi-cloud*

"However, the service wants to keep its options open at the moment."
yeah no #

This reads like a template to waste untold billions without regard for actual war fighting needs. Just because it pushes the envelope doesn't mean its the best solution for when the lights go out. And they will.

a reply to: mightmight

Its too ambitious. They are trying to do everything at once with one giant program/strategy/plan whatever

Totally agree.

A deal was worked out with Congress that allows for tr cancellation of the recapitalization program in favor of the ABMS program, but the current E-8 fleet has to stay active until they're much farther along.

The Biblical Rule for the ABMS program is "We don't talk platforms until the end".

ABMS Biblical Rule