Jet lag: Pentagon's slow delivery creates army recon gap
American reconnaissance aircraft, such as the RC-12X, MC-12, and EO-5, are turboprop-powered machines. The Pentagon plans to replace them with jets. However, the new aircraft are being delivered too slowly, which will create a gap in the capabilities of the American army as the older machines are retired.
The Pentagon is retiring dozens of turbopropeller machines used for AISR missions (airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance). These missions have traditionally been fulfilled by older propeller-powered aircraft, such as the RC-12X, MC-12, and EO-5.
These aircraft, alongside MQ-9 Reaper and RQ-4 Global Hawk drones, have provided reconnaissance for the American army. They have operated alongside the RC-135V/W Rivet Joint and U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft in the Air Force, as well as the P-8A Poseidon in the Navy's inventory.
Design limitations related to payload, range, or speed have led to the gradual phasing out of this reconnaissance fleet since 2022. They are scheduled to be replaced by a new generation of reconnaissance aircraft, based on fast civilian Bombardier jets, such as the Global 6000/6500.
New reconnaissance systems of the American army
The plans include the introduction of reconnaissance systems known as 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 Theater Level High-Altitude Expeditionary Next-Generation Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance).
The new jet aircraft not only offer greater flight speed, reducing travel time to patrol areas, but—most importantly—provide greater range and the ability to stay airborne longer.
Another advantage is their capability to be quickly and easily relocated to distant operational areas, which can be particularly crucial during conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region.
Gap in capabilities
The issue is that the ambitious modernization plan is not aligned with the retirement schedule of the older 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 necessary numbers.
To address this issue, the plan includes outsourcing reconnaissance tasks to external contractors until the new reconnaissance systems are fully operational.
