Planners recently launched the search for a New JSTARS ground surveillance aircraft to replace the Air Force’s legacy E-8C fleet. A team at Hanscom AFB, Mass., began risk analysis and research into business jet sized aircraft as well as radar and communications systems that could be economically paired for the ground surveillance mission. “One of our goals is to develop modular, scalable subsystems using an open systems architecture approach to enable rapid improvements in the future,” said Lt. Col. Michael Harm, JSTARS recapitalization program manager, in a March 26 release. The recapitalization program aims to “reduce lifecycle costs” while increasing “the capacity to support combatant commands, carrying on the legacy of Joint STARS,” added Harm. Assuming the $73 million requested in the Fiscal 2015 budget is approved, the program will pick up pace next year, with the goal of initially fielding an aircraft in 2022, states the release.
Concerned about how artificial intelligence might be used to generate target lists or operational plans, lawmakers want to expand limits on autonomous weapons to address mission planning and target selection. The House Armed Services Committee's version of the 2027 National Defense Authorization bill would direct the Pentagon to revise Defense…