DefenceTalkAt the heart of the Air Force’s plans to retire the A-10 is the question of whether the F-35 can take over the close air support mission. So far, there has been significant doubt that the F-35 will be able to provide the same or better close air support to troops in the meantime. Congress […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pentagon-will-test-f-35-against-a-10-65137/

DefenceTalkClose air support (CAS)-delivery of airborne munitions to support ground forces-is difficult and dangerous because it requires intricate coordination between combat aircrews and dismounted ground forces (for example, joint terminal attack controllers, or JTACs). DARPA’s Persistent Close Air Support (PCAS) program focuses on technologies to enable sharing of real-time situational awareness and weapons systems data […]https://www.defencetalk.com/darpa-demos-persistent-close-air-support-system-63872/

DefenceTalkAir-ground fire coordination-also known as Close Air Support or CAS-is a dangerous and difficult business. Pilots and dismounted ground agents must ensure they hit only the intended target using just voice directions and, if they’re lucky, a common paper map. It can often take up to an hour to confer, get in position and strike-time […]https://www.defencetalk.com/faster-more-precise-airstrikes-within-reach-48151/