Central ND News

Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) raised concerns during a Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing about the availability of airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) operations. Addressing General Michael E. Kurilla, Commander of CENTCOM, Senator Cramer inquired about the potential diversion of ISR resources from Afghanistan to cover other critical areas in the region following recent attacks.

In response, General Kurilla acknowledged the need to strategically allocate ISR assets based on daily risk assessments, stating, "I do know that when Iranian-aligned militia groups or Houthis are out there trying to launch UAVs, rockets, missiles, that when we have ISR, that has a deterrent effect." He emphasized the importance of continued funding for such capabilities to maintain a strong defense posture.

Senator Cramer further expressed apprehension regarding the retirement of current unmanned systems without sufficient replacement capabilities, leaving military personnel and assets vulnerable. The discussion underscored the necessity for ongoing investment in modern and effective ISR technologies to ensure national security interests are adequately protected.

Turning to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), Senator Cramer questioned General Michael E. Langley, Commander of AFRICOM, about the significance of the MQ-9 Reaper in the AFRICOM area of responsibility (AOR). General Langley highlighted the platform's extended on-station time, particularly valuable across vast regions like the Sahel and East Africa. He stressed the need for equivalent or enhanced capabilities to address evolving threats on the African continent.

Senator Cramer echoed the importance of advancing capabilities in line with emerging threats, stating, "The best we have is older, maybe than the threat requires, and we ought to continually be developing more modern, more durable, perhaps more sustainable, more lethal, as well as covert." The exchange emphasized the critical role of advanced ISR assets in supporting AFRICOM's missions and maintaining security cooperation efforts in the region.