The 116th Air Control Wing divested the E-8C JSTARS and entered into mission conversion in FY24. The wing's new mission, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Integration (RPA-I) will focus on using highly specialized operators and maintainers that develop, test and integrate legacy and next generation payload and sensors on a variety of RPA. To meet mission needs, the 116th ACW requires specialized support equipment unique to this new mission. The 116th and the National Guard Association of Georgia requests NGAUS support of the following programs that are critical to maintaining operational timelines.

A. Ensure the 116th is fully capable of supporting RPA Integration operations locally at Robins AFB and in ATL/JAX Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) airspace by funding the development and installation of a ground-based sense and avoid system (GBSAA) at Robins. The GBSAA system offers an FAA certified provision for air vehicle operators to see outside the flight deck and safely operate RPA in and around heavily congested air environments.

B. To ensure seamless and secure integration with air, land, and maritime Command and Control (C2) agencies, including Air Traffic Control (ATC), RPA-I requires a Multi-band Radio Communication Suite (MRCS). This critical capability enhances both flight safety and real-time situational awareness by providing clear and secure voice and data communications across multiple frequencies, including Ultra High Frequency (UHF), second-generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN), Very High Frequency (VHF), Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM), and Mobile User Objective System (MUOS). This comprehensive suite ensures RPA-I can reliably and securely interface with a wide range of C2 assets across various domains, contributing significantly to mission effectiveness and safety.