The Air Force’s E-11A airborne communications relay planes are known as “WiFi in the sky” for sharing battlefield data. The fleet is used for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza in a behind-the-scenes role.
The 430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron flies the E-11A, supporting more than 30 airdrops in Gaza since March from an undisclosed location in U.S. Central Command.
The BACN mission is vital for providing line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight interoperability in the region, relaying crucial data to mission partners on the front lines.
With a range of over 6,900 miles, the E-11A aircraft can quickly relay real-time changes, monitor progress, and interpret transmissions between various communications systems.
The E-11A is transitioning to Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, within the 18th Airborne Command and Control Squadron, replacing JSTARS planes in the coming years, with the 430th EECS shifting its training mission to Robins.
