This recent demonstration is a result of the Airborne Cooperative EW Integrated Reprogrammable Exchange, or ACEWIRE, concept. (Photo: US Air Force)
The USAF’s E-3G airborne warning and control system aircraft (AWACS) has, for the first time, demonstrated the ability to receive and process in-air EW software updates derived from EW data collected and transmitted during flight.
The E-3G Sentry, operated by the AWACS Combined Test Force, updated its electronic support measures database while in flight over central Texas with a file transmitted from its reprogramming centre at Eglin AFB in Florida using BLoS SATCOM.
The aircraft collected EW information and transmitted the data back to Eglin AFB. Within an hour, the data had been analysed, deficiencies were corrected and the data was transmitted back to the E-3G for immediate loading during the mission.
Lt Col Dameion Briggs explained: ‘This is a big deal because it takes a process that can normally take months, down to hours. It enables the E-3G crews to update their sensor information in near real time.’
The test was made possible using the E-3G’s upgraded satellite communications system called Internet Protocol Enabled Communications and its more flexible mission computing system.
While the USAF continues to operate and upgrade the E-3G Sentry, the service also launched its effort to replace the aircraft earlier this year, in February.
The report comes as heads of industry bodies warn that the delayed defence spending plan has left smaller and medium sized businesses in stasis, unable to plan or seek out further investment.
Norway first scoped the requirement in 2022, and included it in a defence strategy document in 2023. The announcement of a new framework agreement appears to have breathed fresh life into the effort.
The effective use of the Shahed-136 in the Iran war has highlighted the need for countries to acquire a domestically produced, low-cost, long-range loitering munition, with the US, Turkey and European nations all at various stages of developing a similar capability.
The disagreement between French-German industry continues as both governments work to keep the programme alive and on track to develop and deliver a sixth-generation fighter jet.
The USAF is seeking on-the-move systems, subsystems or technologies capable of defending airbases and fixed and semi-fixed sites against small drone attacks.
Norway’s funding boost will help the country reach 3.5% of GDP on defence spending by 2035, with autonomous systems part of the long list of priorities alongside frigate acquisition and development of a new Finnmark Brigade.
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