US AWACS recapitalization for the 21st century

There have been NGAD depictions of a RQ-170 looking platform depicted above the other UAVs that I assumed was a dedicated communications gateway. It would make sense to have a less expensive high altitude system with optical receivers talking to LEO constellations (and RF downlinks for legacy high altitude satellites as a fallback) then multiple communications arrays to retransmit into various formats/waveforms. Ideally the transmissions would be directional for lower probability of interception, with any Omni directional transmissions taking place at a lower tier.
 
Too True Scott Kenny, I think that the Airbus A-320 would be a good platform for the Erieye radar, plus the fact that being a larger platform it would have a much longer range than the equivelant Embraer aircraft that currently carry it.
 
GA-ASI and Saab Will Demonstrate AEW&C on MQ-9B in 2026:

At the Dubai Airshow on November 17, 2025, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announced a strategic partnership with Saab, a renowned leader in Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems. This alliance aims to integrate AEW&C capabilities into the GA-ASI MQ-9B, the preeminent platform for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). A demonstration of this innovative capability is scheduled for the summer of 2026 at GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon flight operations facility in Southern California.
[...]
The collaboration between GA-ASI and Saab marks a pivotal step in enhancing aerial defense systems. By integrating advanced AEW&C capabilities into an established and reliable platform, this partnership not only addresses existing gaps in surveillance but also prepares global military forces for the evolving landscape of modern warfare. The fusion of high-end technology and unmanned systems signifies a profound shift towards more effective and efficient operational strategies in defense planning.
Click to expand...

saab-will-demonstrate-aewc-mq9b.jpg


news.defcros.com

GA-ASI and Saab to Showcase AEW&C Capabilities on MQ-9B in 2026 - DEFCROS News

General Atomics and Saab will demonstrate Airborne Early Warning capabilities for the MQ-9B RPA in summer 2026.
news.defcros.com news.defcros.com

www.navalnews.com

GA-ASI and Saab Will Demonstrate AEW&C on MQ-9B in 2026 - Naval News

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Saab will team up to demonstrate AEW&C capability on MQ-9B in the summer of 2026.
www.navalnews.com www.navalnews.com
 
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breakingdefense.com

Air Force kicks off AMTI program with competition for first 'increment' - Breaking Defense

Awards will be issued “fairly shortly” for the first operational satellites that can track aircraft and from space, according to Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.
breakingdefense.com breakingdefense.com

We’ve awarded the base contract for the new space-based airborne moving target indication capability, and are competing a contract for the first operational increment,” Meink said

“There’s not a question anymore about whether or not the technology works. We know it does. Now it’s just, how do we build it affordably and get it on orbit and make sure we have competition going forward.”
 
TomcatViP said:
GA-ASI and Saab Will Demonstrate AEW&C on MQ-9B in 2026:



saab-will-demonstrate-aewc-mq9b.jpg


news.defcros.com

GA-ASI and Saab to Showcase AEW&C Capabilities on MQ-9B in 2026 - DEFCROS News

General Atomics and Saab will demonstrate Airborne Early Warning capabilities for the MQ-9B RPA in summer 2026.
news.defcros.com news.defcros.com

www.navalnews.com

GA-ASI and Saab Will Demonstrate AEW&C on MQ-9B in 2026 - Naval News

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Saab will team up to demonstrate AEW&C capability on MQ-9B in the summer of 2026.
www.navalnews.com www.navalnews.com
Click to expand...
IMHO manned w analysts is a better option while uas based may have some used cases.
 

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