Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), a defense contractor, has been awarded a $13 billion contract by the US Air Force to upgrade its aging fleet of E-4B "Doomsday' Nightwatch aircraft.
The plan is to replace USAF's four 1970s-era E-4B aircraft, commonly known as the National Emergency Airborne Command Post, with a new and improved Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC), the company said in a recent news release.
US President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston, Texas, on March 21, 2024, as he returns to the White House. Biden was in Texas as part of a three-day campaign trip.
Air Force Awards SNC $13B Contract for New 'Doomsday' Aircraft
The SAOC program, which is set to run until July 2036, will see SNC take over the modification of Boeing's 747-8i aircraft, which will serve as the platform for the new command and control planes. This decision comes after Boeing withdrew from the contract, allowing SNC to emerge as the winner.
As the chosen contractor, SNC boasts a considerable aerospace and defense resume, which includes prior projects such as the A-29 Super Tucano and C-130s. The company's responsibilities will include not only aircraft modification but also the integration of essential military systems such as air refueling and secure communications.
Air Force to Improve Defense Against Nuclear, Electromagnetic Pulse Attacks
Improving the nuclear command and control capabilities of the Air Force is one of the main goals of the SAOC program. In times of crisis, the high-altitude, in-flight refueling E-4B aircraft is an invaluable tool for maintaining national security and government operations.
Breaking Defense tells us that the President, Secretary of Defense, and Joint Chiefs of Staff, among other top leaders, will receive crucial support from the new SAOC planes, which are outfitted with cutting-edge satellite communications capabilities and shielded from electromagnetic pulse impacts.
With a request for almost $1.7 billion in fiscal year 2025 and an allocation of $744 million for the SAOC program in fiscal year 2024, the Air Force is prepared to advance its drive to modernize its nuclear portfolio.
The SAOC initiative is a long-term strategic investment in the nation's defense capabilities. tapping into the expertise of industry leaders such as SNC, the Air Force hopes to ensure that its airborne command and control capabilities remain operationally relevant and secure in a constantly evolving threat landscape.
SNC Wins Contract Against Boeing
In addition to improving the aircraft's military capabilities, SNC plans to also fortify civilian planes against electronic and nuclear attacks. This multifaceted strategy emphasizes the SAOC program's comprehensive nature, which goes beyond the aircraft to include ground support systems and future modifications.
Reuters tells us that the victory by SNC follows Boeing's unexpected withdrawal from the competition, apparently due to difficulties in reaching an agreement on contract structure and data rights. Nonetheless, SNC's win is an important milestone for the company, reaffirming its status as a major player in the defense industry.
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