Airborne Battle Management Aircraft Needed to Counter Low-Flying Drones and Cruise Missiles

The US Air Force faces a significant ABM capacity gap due to the limited availability and outdated nature of its airborne battle management aircraft. The department needs additional aircraft to address the growing threat of low-flying drones and cruise missiles. The current fleet is aging and has limited component replacement options, which may lead to a decrease in its effectiveness. The ABM capacity gap is most apparent in the Air Force, which may leave only two or three E-3 Sentries available for other existing needs. The Department of Defense and Congress must work together to revitalize the ABM fleet and ensure a resilient and balanced sensing and C2 architecture over the long-term. This is according to Philip Sheers, an Associate Fellow with the Defense Program at the Center for a New American Security.