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The E2D is great for current day; weird, a senator doesn’t know shit.

Copy and understand, I believe @ClearedHot mentioned in this or another thread the Israeli AWACS based on the G550, same platform for the new Compass Call, I could see that as a selling point for logistical support and their jet has some very high end capes True, I’m just thinking the politics factor can trump the military capabilities factor here if not addressed Just as emotions often over power logic, it has to be considered https://breakingdefense.com/2025/06/air-force-cancels-e-7-wedgetail-citing-survivability-and-cost-concerns/ From the article: During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing this morning, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, raised concerns that the E-2D might not be able to match the E-7’s capabilities, and cited prior statements from Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael Guetlein that a space-based capability wouldn’t be available until the early 2030s. “We just haven’t heard, in my view, sufficient justification for the cancellation of such a critical program,” Murkowski told Air Force leaders. Jobs, money, prestige, etc… politicians want their constituents to have their fair share plus whatever else they can get. I want my Congressman to do the same, I think trying to meet her plus other politicians half way on this while developing the orbital systems is the best way.

I don’t understand why a system, the E-7A, that is already operational with other air forces requires so much development investment, is so expensive to acquire, and has such a long lead time. I suppose the Air Force monkeyed with the requirements too much but still, should have been off-the-shelf.

Those are all excellent reasons to NOT stick with the E-7 shitshow. E-7 would have been nice about 15 years ago, but obviously we’re well past that and it’s very sensible to drop that hot pile of garbage (from a programatic POV) in favor of better tech.

It’s not about smaller plane, biz jets can fly higher and faster which makes their sensors more useful. Also, Boeing is terrible at producing aircraft now.

Not every SIB has a corresponding AIB.

Yeah if the Bobs change their minds and continue supporting a manned/unmanned aircraft a smaller plane might be better / more budget friendly Probably could acquire more, plug more gaps as required, support more CAPs, possibly ACE employ, etc… I think the 73 for admin/legal/acquisition/political reasons just might be more likely to happen with less drama If Boeing and the ABM career field really want this aircraft to happen, methinks going forward they need to show how viable/useful the E-7 LOS C2 of unmanned systems could be, that’s a new capability plus the traditional C2 that makes the platform relevant IMO Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Finally a relevant Elephant Walk, and not just for a Wg/CC flex or photo op.

Yep, by no means does anyone who knows anything think space is uncontested; just stating adversary tech, combined with our emerging tech, has made manned ISR rapidly not relevant in a peer fight. If we’re talking other than peer fight, or day 69 of the peer war, totally a place for it.

WTF, she can go fuck herself. How about SCOTUS just shitcans the entire NFA, considering it’s blatantly unconstitutional.

Good point, shouldn't have said manned...but for those who think space based assets are "safe." Having aviation platform based AWACS still is viable.

For sure. I don’t think manned ISR should go away, but for those “non-WW3” situations, something like a G550 (or U2 if available) is a much better option. @StoleIt What does that article have to do with the topic at hand? And yes, in peer war, manned C2ISR is substantially less survivable and capable than several other unmanned technologies, including space.

For those that think manned C2ISR is at a higher risk than space based: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/china-strikes-hard-chinese-satellite-pulverizes-starlink-with-a-2-watt-laser-36-000-km-from-earth/ar-AA1HbXzq

...and the Senate Parliamentarian ruled we can't get rid of taxes on NFA arms in a budget bill ... apparently taxes are off limits in budget bills now...

Imagine putting all of those AWAC aircrew into one container.

Valid points from the article but wondering if this is a case of thinking only about WW3 when there are other levels of conflict on the spectrum where an ad hoc C2 would be useful, unless the space based option is truly global coverage 24/7, atmospheric and space weather resistant, defensible to ASAT weapons, robust comms. All that could be asked of a manned or unmanned aircraft but before I put all my eggs in one basket I’d keep a back up option. Anyway, I’d keep it real, get the 73, minimum mods, learn from the Aussies.

KEND 25-12AF (T-38) F-15E SJ F-22 Langley Eurofighter Germany KC-135 McConnell T-38 FAIP

https://www.airandspaceforces.com/air-force-cancel-e-7-wedgetail-buy/

The PSDM references DAFMAN36-2100 which stipulates "4.1.3.4.2. Officers meeting the following criteria are exempt from involuntary crossflow consideration and ineligible to apply for voluntary crossflow consideration. Only waivers for Total Active Federal Military Service are considered. Waiver authority for Total Active Federal Military Service is AFPC/DPML" It expands further in 4.1.3.4.2.16 that there is a 2-year period so a ETP may be needed for your case. I would reach out to the MPF on base or your SQ/GP/WG execs.

Not force structure per se but more composition… https://www.defensenews.com/air/2025/06/27/us-air-force-to-retire-all-a-10s-cancel-e-7-under-2026-spending-plan/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb_dfn Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Definitely tell them if you have not already!!! We're nearing crunch time and it would suck if they didn't know. To be honest I'm surprised your DCO/GP/WG isn't already asking for things via TMT. Our DCO made the tasker the day the PSCM dropped and set the first suspense for 30 June

Well sucks for this guy, for the first time in probably ever, none of the combatant commanders will be Army; CJCS is still Air Force, the Army continues to become less relevant than Air and Naval Forces especially looking at the IPC AOR. Heck, even in CENTCOM, Army’s main mission is protection, C-sUAS, and missile defense; most ops and strikes are accomplished from the carrier or the Air Force. Anyone who’s ever worked in a joint environment knows how frustrating and annoying the Army can be and I’m glad that’s starting to change.

"Color Top Gun white for the rest of the vul and we don't need to hear about any more of your shots."

Amen and how about the maintainers getting over half the fleet airborne at the same time!

X-32…