// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
JSTARS
JSTARS, short for Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, is a specialized military aircraft that uses powerful radar to detect and track ground vehicles and slow-moving aircraft over large areas. It provides critical information to commanders to help them understand the battlefield.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) was an airborne battle management and command and control (BMC2) platform, primarily the E-8C, designed for wide-area ground surveillance, targeting, and intelligence gathering of ground vehicles and slow-moving rotary-wing aircraft to support joint military operations.
BACKGROUND
The Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System is a retired United States Air Force (USAF) airborne ground surveillance, battle management and command and control aircraft. It tracked ground vehicles and some aircraft, collected imagery, and relayed tactical pictures to ground and air theater commanders. Until its retirement in 2023 the aircraft was operated by both active duty USAF and Air National Guard units, with specially trained U.S. Army personnel as additional flight crew.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- E-8C
- Joint STARS
- Battlefield surveillance aircraft
- Ground moving target indicator (GMTI) platform
- Radar surveillance aircraft
USAGE NOTE
Though a crucial asset for decades in providing real-time ground intelligence, the JSTARS fleet is currently being retired, with its capabilities transitioning to new multi-domain command and control systems.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to JSTARS.
As the prime contractor for the E-8C JSTARS, Northrop Grumman was responsible for the platform's radar and mission systems, and continues to be involved in its sustainment and the development of next-generation ISR and battle management technologies.
A key developer of advanced radar systems, sensors, and integrated mission systems crucial for airborne surveillance and targeting, which are core functionalities previously provided by JSTARS and are critical for its successor systems.
Develops and integrates advanced C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems, including those essential for airborne battle management and sensor fusion, capabilities that JSTARS provided.
Provided the foundational aircraft platform (based on the 707) for the E-8C JSTARS and is a major player in developing next-generation ISR and battle management aircraft and systems, including those related to JADC2 initiatives.
Offers advanced airborne ISR solutions, communication systems, and electronic warfare capabilities that are crucial for distributed battle management and sensing, providing components and systems for JSTARS-like missions.
The primary operator and end-user of JSTARS, the USAF is driving the transition from the E-8C to a 'system of systems' approach for battle management and ISR, including the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) initiative which seeks to replace JSTARS capabilities.
Develops and manufactures uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) like the Predator and Reaper, which are increasingly equipped with advanced ISR sensors and can contribute to persistent wide-area surveillance and targeting, complementing or replacing aspects of JSTARS.
Provides advanced data analytics and integration platforms used to fuse intelligence from various sources, including ISR assets, for real-time decision-making, a key component of modern battle management systems replacing traditional JSTARS roles.