Northrop Grumman says it is “actively pursuing” options to develop a multi-platform radar technology insertion program radar with USAF, which had to end MP-RTIP development when it cancelled the E-10 program for lack of money. The Air Force has continued to work a reduced version for employment on the Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle. However, a Northrop release says that it is offering a Wide Area Surveillance MP-RTIP radar for use on the E-8 Joint STARS surveillance aircraft. It says Congress is interested in the effort as a cruise missile defense capability.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.