Exploring New Frontiers in Military Surveillance
The U.S. Space Force is actively collaborating with the Air Force and U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) to evaluate the potential of space-based sensors for tracking airborne targets. A senior Space Force official confirmed ongoing demonstration activities aimed at assessing whether satellite systems equipped with Air Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) technology could integrate with existing crewed aircraft systems.
Gathering Data to Determine Space’s Role in Air Target Tracking
Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton, deputy for strategy, plans, programs, and requirements, explained during a presentation at the Mitchell Institute that the team is observing how effective space-based sensors might be and their compatibility with current AMTI systems flown by Navy and Air Force aircraft. “We’re waiting to gather engineering data to understand what can be seen from space and how good that capability really is,” Bratton said. The goal is to evaluate whether satellites fitted with their own AMTI sensors could send precise tracking information to ground, sea, or air “shooters,” thereby enhancing threat detection and response.
A New Capability in Development
This effort is part of a broader initiative by the Space Force, which is working with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to develop Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) satellites capable of tracking vehicles and ships. The concept of prototype satellites equipped with AMTI sensors was first disclosed by Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of NORTHCOM and NORAD, earlier this week during a Senate Armed Forces hearing. Guillot indicated that some prototype systems are already on orbit, supporting the development of space-based sensors for missile defense and other strategic purposes.
Limited Details and Industry Exploration
Neither Bratton nor Guillot provided specific details about the on-orbit AMTI prototypes, and officials from NORTHCOM, the Space Force, and the Air Force declined to elaborate further. A NORTHCOM spokesperson emphasized that multiple companies are exploring AMTI technology, but no specific system has been selected or funded for operational deployment. Likewise, both Space System Command and the Air Force refrained from additional comments.
Policy and Future Prospects
The 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) grants the Secretary of the Air Force authority to develop space-based ground and airborne target tracking systems for battlefield use, establishing a cross-service Moving Target Indication (MTI) Working Group. Space Force leadership, including Gen. Michael Guetlein, estimates that space-based AMTI capabilities could begin to become operational in the early 2030s, though discussions are still in preliminary stages.
Current Surface and Air Platforms in Use
Presently, the Air Force relies on aging E-3 Sentry airborne warning and control aircraft, with plans to replace them with Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, recently awarded a $2.6 billion contract for initial units. The Navy employs E-2D Hawkeye aircraft with built-in AMTI sensors for early warning and command functions, with the service planning to expand its fleet to 80 aircraft by 2026 at a total cost of approximately $22 billion.
Challenges and Strategic Considerations
The prospects of satellite-based tracking raising questions about the future of platforms like the E-7 Wedgetail. During a recent House Appropriations subcommittee hearing, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin emphasized that the E-7’s ability to sense, process, and act remains critical, especially as adversaries challenge traditional sensing ranges.
Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, highlighted that space offers many advantages, particularly in contested environments, but no single domain can fulfill all operational needs. He advocates for a blend of space, air, and other capabilities to ensure comprehensive, full-spectrum operational readiness.
Looking Ahead
While satellite-based sensors promise to revolutionize airborne target tracking and surveillance, current plans remain exploratory. U.S. military leaders acknowledge that integrating space-based AMTI involves significant technical challenges and strategic considerations. For now, the focus is on testing, data gathering, and evaluating how such systems can complement existing platforms—marking a pivotal step in modernizing U.S. military space and surveillance capabilities.
