Northrop Grumman says it is “actively pursuing” options to develop a multi-platform radar technology insertion program radar with USAF, which had to end MP-RTIP development when it cancelled the E-10 program for lack of money. The Air Force has continued to work a reduced version for employment on the Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle. However, a Northrop release says that it is offering a Wide Area Surveillance MP-RTIP radar for use on the E-8 Joint STARS surveillance aircraft. It says Congress is interested in the effort as a cruise missile defense capability.
Three B-1B Lancers from the 7th Bomb Wing flew over the Indo-Pacific alongside F-16s from the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force as part of a joint large force exercise. The mission began and ended in the continental U.S. The bombers flew 31 hours and landed Jan. 11.