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.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.