ACC chief, Gen. Ronald Keys told Washington-based defense reporters Thursday that there are other platforms, besides a B-52 standoff jammer, and other capabilities that could share in the jamming mission. He said he is considering using systems such as the Miniature Air-Launched Decoy-Jammer (MALD-J) and the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile to kill threats. Other platforms, Keys explained, could include a C-130 variant of current and new fighters with advanced radar systems to “see and block surface to air missiles.”
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.