The current WEPTAC identified and Weapons System Council supported requirement is as follows:

ANG A-10s require the ability to integrate on the same datalink network as the rest of the joint force. The legacy A-10 capability, Situation Awareness Data Link (SADL), is planned to phase out without a follow-on replacement for the capability, leaving the A-10 without an ability to communicate digitally among A-10s and with other platforms. Further, SADL continues to be inadequate due to a lack of fielded support infrastructure, frequency band constraints, and Joint Interface Control Cell support. The transition of ANG A-10 aircraft to a standard joint datalink will allow seamless deployment, connectivity, and interoperability with the entire joint force. All ANG A-10s require replacement datalink equipment due to the future mandates that will eliminate current SADL communications equipment.