America's reconnaissance fleet faces a modernization dilemma
American reconnaissance aircraft, such as the RC-12X, MC-12, and EO-5, are powered by turboprop engines. The Pentagon plans to replace them with jets. The issue is that the new aircraft are being delivered too slowly, and the retirement of the old machines will create a gap in the capabilities of the American army.
The Pentagon is retiring dozens of turboprop machines intended for AISR missions (airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance). These missions have been carried out for years by older propeller-powered aircraft, such as the RC-12X, MC-12, and EO-5.
These machines, along with MQ-9 Reaper and RQ-4 Global Hawk drones, have provided reconnaissance for the American army. They performed tasks alongside the RC-135V/W Rivet Joint and U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft serving in the Air Force, as well as the P-8A Poseidon, which is part of the Navy's inventory.
Design limitations related to payload, range, or speed have led to the phasing out of the reconnaissance fleet since 2022. These aircraft are to be replaced by a new generation of reconnaissance machines, built on the foundation of fast, civilian Bombardier jets, specifically the Global 6000/6500 models.
New reconnaissance systems of the American army
The plans include implementing reconnaissance systems named HADES (High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System), ARTEMIS (Airborne Reconnaissance and Targeting Exploitation Multi-Mission Intelligence System), ARES (Airborne Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare System), and ATHENA (Army Theatre Level High-Altitude Expeditionary Next-Generation Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance).
The new jet machines not only provide higher flight speeds, reducing travel time to patrol areas, but also offer a greater range and the ability to stay airborne for more extended periods.
Their ability to be relocated easily and quickly to distant operational areas can be especially significant during conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region.
Gap in capabilities
The problem is that the ambitious modernization plan is not synchronized with the retirement of the old machines. Although the first jet with the ARTEMIS system was delivered in 2020, a serious gap will emerge in the army's capabilities before the new aircraft can be delivered in the required numbers.
One approach to addressing this issue is to outsource reconnaissance to external contractors until the new reconnaissance systems can perform their tasks effectively.
