U.S. Air Force moves to upgrade aging E-3 AWACS planes

The U.S. Air Force is examining how to replace obsolete encrypted data-at-rest equipment on 15 operational E-3G airborne warning and control aircraft. A September 25 sources-sought notice says the existing General Dynamics DAR-400 cannot meet evolving National Security Agency requirements, making replacement essential to mission systems. The government proposes the KG-204 encryptor and is seeking contractors able to integrate it across the fleet. Responses are due October 12, but the notice is market research rather than a solicitation and provides no acquisition value, installation schedule or guarantee of a subsequent award.