Questions Ahead for JSTARS Replacement

Richard Aboulafia, an analyst with the Teal Group, called the JSTARS replacement a "great idea in need of a champion."

"In terms of technology, it makes so much sense to recapitalize," Aboulafia said. "Anything that gets you from a four-engine obsolete jetliner to a modern twinjet just pays for itself very quickly, gives you a lot more operational flexibility too, and by the way it also presents a smaller target for the enemy."