Northrop Grumman completed Block 20 upgrades to the E-8C Joint STARS. With the entire fleet of ground surveillance aircraft operating at the same “open systems” configuration, Northrop says the Air Force can make future hardware and software upgrades at a lower cost. The upgrade also increases mission effectiveness.
Air Force Chief of Staff nominee Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach said he'll give special attention to coordinating with the Navy on buys of new weapons.