The Long Range Strike platform won’t be a “lone wolf” able to perform all conceivable functions, Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz said Tuesday. When reporters pointed out that various Air Force and DOD leaders have spoken about the need for the aircraft to be able to perform electronic warfare, ISR, air battle management, etc, Schwartz’s terse reply was “not from me.” He added that in defining the airplane, “cost will be a very, very serious consideration,” and all efforts will be made to use available offboard sensors on other platforms rather than build every conceivable sensor onto the LRS. “We’re looking at something that is pretty tightly coupled to the requirements and … affordability considerations.”
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.