Electronic Warfare: Reliable Equipment Needed to Test Air Force's Electronic Warfare Systems

The Air Force equips its tactical aircraft with electronic warfare systems such as the ALR-56A radar warning receiver and the ALQ-135 jammer. The receiver alerts the pilot that the airplane is being tracked by enemy radar and the jammer transmits electronic signals to deceive enemy radars. The combat readiness of tactical aircraft and the capability to sustain combat operations has been impaired because of faulty and unreliable test equipment used to identify malfunctions in electronic warfare systems. The Air Force has not adhered to policies requiring that test equipment be developed and deployed simultaneously with electronic warfare systems. To deploy the warfare systems as quickly as possible, the Air Force has not taken steps to assure that the electronic warfare system can be adequately maintained in an operational environment. The Air Forces strategy may result in additional cost and will continue to place combat readiness at risk. In addition, the Air Force cannot perform its maintenance functions without relying extensively on civilian contractor technical assistance, which might not be available during combat operations.