Tom Graves Fights for Our Warfighters, Prioritizes Critical Defense System

Press Release from the office of Representative Tom Graves:

Washington, Nov 24 – Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14) is leading an effort to ensure the acquisition of the next generation Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) is not delayed. This critical radar system and aircraft significantly enhance the ability of our warplanes and other military assets to target enemy combatants and help protect our soldiers on the ground by detecting threats and allowing for better coordinated, more effective support.

Sixty members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and the House Armed Services Committee, including Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA-8), signed a bipartisan letter last week to Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, requesting an update on the next generation of JSTARS.

The letter reads: “JSTARS has flown well over 100,000 combat hours in support of recent contingencies, reinforcing the importance of its mission for Combatant Commanders world-wide. The direct benefit and advantage this platform provides our maneuver commanders when conducting combat operations should be a clear indication of the importance of ensuring a smooth and timely recapitalization of JSTARS. Replacing the existing fleet with Next Generation aircraft is essential, which is why we want to ensure that the critical mission performed by the JSTARS Team is not jeopardized by a lengthy acquisition process.”

Although the aircraft fleet of 16 is primarily operated by the Air Force and Air National Guard, all branches of the military and the intelligence community rely and depend on JSTARS information to maximize mission success.

JSTARS is critical to Georgia, as the JSTARS fleet is based at Robins Air Force Base outside of Macon, Georgia.

Click HERE to view the signed letter.