ANG KC-135s require self-defense capabilities to detect and defeat modern threats specifically designed to target large high value airborne assets (HVAA). To survive HVAA threats, KC-135s require an open mission system compliant digital and physical backbone to execute processing at the forward edge by connecting the platform to joint all domain command and control architectures. KC-135s require onboard/off-board threat jamming, decoys, and defense measures to defeat modern threats through destructive or non-destructive means. A model, simulation, and analysis of the KC-135 incorporating Air Mobility Command Pacing Threats will determine which systems drive mission failure and/or survivability. In accordance with National Defense Strategy defined competitors, modernization must ensure overmatch including but not limited to:
• radio frequency (RF)
• infrared (IR) self-protection systems
• expendables
• jammers
• signals intelligence/electronic intelligence detection capability and data
Routine operations subject the KC-135 to increasingly hostile environments. To survive, KC-135s require a digital radar warning receiver (RWR) capable of processing signals in a dense RF environment and automatically cue/direct countermeasures to degrade or defeat threats. Multi-modal Advanced Electronically Scanned Array radar capability increases survivability with an increased number of sensors available to the common operating picture. The KC-135s require an IR countermeasure system that does not rely on pyrotechnic expendables to counter widely proliferated shoulder-fired IR man-portable air defense systems and other IR-guided weapons. The RF and IR countermeasures should be capable of being moved between aircraft; therefore, all 166 ANG KC-135s require digital RWR Group A kits, RF/IR Group A kits, and Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Group A kits. ANG KC-135s require 27 modular LAIRCM Group B-kits to equip the 17 ANG KC-135 units.