US Air Force seeks capabilities to improve C3 for aircraft fleet and warfighters
A B-1B refuels with a KC-135 while on a nighttime mission during Operation Epic Fury. (Photo: US Air Force)
The USAF published RFIs for enhancing its C3 capabilities after losing, in Operation Epic Fury, four aircraft in non-confrontational, unclear situations that could have been related to command, control and communication failures.
The US Air Force (USAF) published three RFIs to identify solutions, systems and technologies to improve battle management and C3 for its airmen and aircraft fleet. The capabilities aim to support better coordination of joint aerial operations, both for assets and personnel.
Coincidentally, the market research notices were issued last week after the US recorded the loss of three F-15 multirole fighters and one KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling tanker in what the US claimed were non-hostile, unclear circumstances during Operation Epic Fury. Both incidents raised questions about the effectiveness of command, control and communication sensors in an open war environment.
The branch
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Denmark air focus: $2.64 billion UAV market blends US imports with Nordic cooperation]()
Denmark air focus: $2.64 billion UAV market blends US imports with Nordic cooperation
While Denmark appears to be more committed to UAVs than most of its Nordic neighbours, its procurement efforts are likely to be split between American-made systems for its larger requirements and Nordic partnerships for smaller platforms.
-
![France earmarks further $11.6 billion for missiles and drones amid rearmament push]()
France earmarks further $11.6 billion for missiles and drones amid rearmament push
The revised funding allocation will see up to 23% of the additional budget put towards stockpiles of munitions, with the country’s GDP spending expected to reach 2.5% by 2030.
-
![UK SMEs remain vulnerable in effort to help build sovereign capabilities, JCNSS report warns]()
UK SMEs remain vulnerable in effort to help build sovereign capabilities, JCNSS report warns
The report comes as heads of industry bodies warn that the delayed defence spending plan has left smaller and medium sized businesses in stasis, unable to plan or seek out further investment.
-
![Norway revitalises effort to acquire a tactical-class UAV with $103 million competition]()
Norway revitalises effort to acquire a tactical-class UAV with $103 million competition
Norway first scoped the requirement in 2022, and included it in a defence strategy document in 2023. The announcement of a new framework agreement appears to have breathed fresh life into the effort.
