What Will Replace The E-8C JSTARS?

Summary E-8C JSTARS provided detailed battlefield info to US military via special radar, aiding intelligence and real-time monitoring. Retirement prompts specialized sensor networks to replace spy aircraft, such as GMTI and SBR technology. Complex and costly successor program was ditched, leading to emphasis on sensor networks for ISR missions.

The Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS) was a command and control aircraft operated by the United States Air Force (USAF) between 1991 and 2023. The airborne ground surveillance and battle management platform was based on the Boeing 707-300 commercial airframe. The E-8C used specialized radar, communications, and control systems to track aircraft and ground vehicles, and collect imagery.

The USAF tactical data is transmitted to ground and air control commands for strategic surveillance and intelligence. On November 15, 2023, the E-8C JSTARS flew for the last time for the USAF. With the retirement of the essential intelligence platform, the question arises: what will replace the E-8C JSTARS? While the USAF was initially considering a successor platform to fill the gap, it was later decided that a specialized network of radars, satellites, and sensors would do the job instead of an aircraft.

What was the E-8C JSTARS used for? Two units operated the JSTARS from Robins Air Force Base Active duty 461st Air Control Wing Georgia Air National Guard’s 116th ACW The E-8C JSTARS is equipped with spec.