Senators Seek Details on Military Plans to Reduce E-11 Jet Fleet

Senators have asked military officials for more information on plans to reduce the size of the E-11 fleet that provides communications relay and data fusion services during operations. The aircraft continue to meet operational demand for these capabilities. Officials have indicated interest in moving some of the functions now performed by the jets into space systems.

Background on the E-11 Role The E-11 jets operate as airborne nodes that connect forces across wide areas where ground networks may be limited. Their current use reflects ongoing requirements for reliable battlefield communications. Questions from senators focus on how any reduction would affect existing mission support and what timeline officials have considered for any changes.

Replacement approaches under discussion center on satellite capabilities that could assume portions of the communications workload now handled by the aircraft.