Robins Air Force Base Operates Across Land, Air, Sea and Space 

Tech. Sgt. Curt Beach

Robins Air Force Base has made its presence known as the largest industrial complex in Georgia, but lately, its innovations have been stealing the spotlight. Advanced military technology, new high-tech missions and ongoing research and development aren’t just meeting the needs of today – they are propelling Robins Air Force Base into the future. 

Home to the 78th Air Base Wing and 54 mission partners, Robins AFB is a significant employer in Middle Georgia, hiring civilians, contractors and military members whose dedication to innovation protects and empowers the American defense team. 

Deb Henley

New Aircraft for Advanced Missions

When the E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) aircraft arrived at Robins Air Force Base in November 2023, service members from the 18th Airborne Command and Control Squadron and base leadership gathered on the flightline to welcome its delivery. That kind of reception points to the excitement surrounding this innovative aircraft. 

It is the third to arrive, with a planned total of nine aircraft in service by the end of 2027. 

“It brings additional capability to the unit to increase training and operational support of the new mission of relaying critical information to the frontline warfighters,” says Jon P. Quinlan, strategic planning chief in public affairs. 

The value of these aircraft is far-reaching, providing a high-altitude communications relay and gateway system for strategic and operational maneuverability to commanders and their forces in contested areas. 

“BACN enables the digital infrastructure and software tools to inform the warfighter to make effective decisions in the air and on the ground,” Quinlan says. “It does this by disseminating imagery, voice and tactical digital data across multiple elements to enhance situational awareness on the battlefield. It also provides interoperability for joint and coalition forces, effectively bridging operations across air, space, land and sea domains.” 

Joseph Mather

Headquarters of Two Detachments

Under the command of Lt. Col. C. Ryan Cox, the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing (SWW) Detachment 1 and the 87th Electronic Warfare Squadron Detachment 1 have set up headquarters at Robins Air Force Base. 

Cox feels that these two new detachments are a good fit for Robins AFB. 

“The installation has a number of organizations already conducting electronic warfare sustainment, procurement and modernization,” he says. “Plus, there are several industry partners in Georgia who have expertise in the electromagnetic spectrum field, which together will help us become more lethal and effective. It was very fortuitous those organizations are at the same place we are now.” 

The 350th SWW provides operational, technical and maintenance electronic warfare expertise for the Combat Air Forces (CAF), and for systems engineering, testing, evaluation, tactics development, employment capability, and technology assessment. This includes the wartime responsibility for emergency reprogramming and dissemination of electronic warfare system mission data software for aircraft. 

“Robins will be the heart of the Air Force’s center for the electronic warfare assessment, readiness and capability,” says Col. Josh Koslov, 350th SWW commander. “Our team here will identify what our weak points are and point us in the direction we need to be in to improve our capability and fill in gaps to achieve spectrum dominance.” 

Staff Sgt. John Linzmeier

Artificial Intelligence Innovation

While details are classified, the focus is always clear: to direct the proper investments in systems that will integrate data, software and artificial intelligence efforts, then speed their delivery to the warfighter. 

One of the ways Robins AFB is meeting this objective is by constantly improving C3BM – Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management – by making it more efficient, adaptable and resilient. 

The 728th Battle Management Control Squadron, activated in 2023, provides round-the-clock surveillance along with airspace deconfliction, air-refueling positioning and tactical reconnaissance. The squadron delivers command and control of aircraft in U.S. Central Command. 

“Replacing or upgrading existing systems and harnessing emerging information, communications and artificial intelligence technologies will help us stay ahead of what’s to come,” Quinlan says. “Robins Air Force Base will continue to play a significant role in these important changes.”