So, the USAF just retired the E-8 Joint STARS fleet. Crazy to think these planes have been doing their thing since the Gulf War, and now they're done. No direct replacement either, which seems odd considering how vital they've been for tracking ground targets. These were basically modified Boeing 707s, and they got the job done for decades.
I've read that they won't have a single new aircraft taking over. Instead, they're planning to use a mix of satellites, drones, and other tech. Seems like a big shift from having a dedicated platform. I guess the idea is that technology has advanced enough to handle the job differently, but I wonder if it'll be as effective.
Anyone have thoughts on how this might impact military operations? Do you think relying on satellites and drones is gonna work as well as the E-8s did? It's cool to see how the military is adapting, but part of me wonders if it's too soon to let go of such a proven system. What do you guys think?
I've read that they won't have a single new aircraft taking over. Instead, they're planning to use a mix of satellites, drones, and other tech. Seems like a big shift from having a dedicated platform. I guess the idea is that technology has advanced enough to handle the job differently, but I wonder if it'll be as effective.
Anyone have thoughts on how this might impact military operations? Do you think relying on satellites and drones is gonna work as well as the E-8s did? It's cool to see how the military is adapting, but part of me wonders if it's too soon to let go of such a proven system. What do you guys think?