Lockheed Martin has announced it is teaming with Raytheon and Bombardier for the U.S. Air Force's JSTARS Recapitalization program contract.

Under the teaming, Lockheed Martin will serve as the lead systems integrator for the program, while Raytheon will bring to the team their experience with ground surveillance, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, mission systems integration, and JSTARS communications.

Bombardier will provide its ultra-long-range Global business jet platform, which is less expensive to operate than modern airliners. The Bombardier aircraft will allow on-board radar to see farther and deeper into valleys and survey the battlespace for extended periods of time without refueling.

"Our track record of performance in systems integration and leadership in Open Mission Systems, combined with our teammates' relevant products and in-depth experience, give us confidence that we can provide the Air Force the best possible solution," said Rob Weiss, executive vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Advanced Development Programs.

JSTARS, or Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System, provides Air Force command posts and Army mobile ground stations with ground situation information comparable to that of the air situation provided by AWACS aircraft.

The JSTARS system has used more than a dozen large aircraft, based on the 707 airliner, for the program but now seeks smaller JSTARS aircraft and updated electronic systems.

The contract from the Air Force has not yet been awarded.