Space Force Eyes $2B for Airborne Target Tracking

February 26, 2026

2 min read

New Space-Based Sensors To Replace Aging Aircraft Fleets

The US Space Force has reported positive results from experiments with space-based sensors to track airborne targets, and is now looking to use incoming funds to accelerate the development of the Airborne Moving Target Indicators (AMTI) program. According to Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, the program has shown promising results, with the Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) cooperating on the development of AMTI prototypes. The program is slated to receive $2 billion in fiscal 2026 reconciliation funds, pending approval. This development was first reported by Breaking Defense.

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Companies Mentioned

US Space Force National Reconnaissance Office Boeing

Topics

space-based sensors airborne target tracking defense technology military procurement space force

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Source: Breaking Defense (RSS) JAN Tracker: SRCE-2026-1772136210122-2900

URL: https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/with-funding-flush-space-force-hopes-to-speed-satellites-to-track-aircraft-missiles/

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Space Force Eyes $2B for Airborne Target Tracking

February 26, 2026

2 min read

New Space-Based Sensors To Replace Aging Aircraft Fleets

The US Space Force has reported positive results from experiments with space-based sensors to track airborne targets, and is now looking to use incoming funds to accelerate the development of the Airborne Moving Target Indicators (AMTI) program. According to Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, the program has shown promising results, with the Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) cooperating on the development of AMTI prototypes. The program is slated to receive $2 billion in fiscal 2026 reconciliation funds, pending approval. This development was first reported by Breaking Defense.

Key Takeaways

Sign in to view key takeaways Get full access to in-depth analysis and key takeaways.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Key Takeaways.

Strategic Implications

Sign in to view strategic implications Get full access to strategic analysis and expert insights.

Silver membership required Upgrade to Silver to access Strategic Implications.

Companies Mentioned

US Space Force National Reconnaissance Office Boeing

Topics

space-based sensors airborne target tracking defense technology military procurement space force

Source: Breaking Defense (RSS) JAN Tracker: SRCE-2026-1772136210122-2900

URL: https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/with-funding-flush-space-force-hopes-to-speed-satellites-to-track-aircraft-missiles/