By Garrett Reim2021-02-17T02:38:00+00:00 The US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) aims to consolidate multiple aircraft roles into its Armed Overwatch aircraft programme in order to save money on the War on Terror. AFSOC is stretched thin as it tries to keep up the fight against terrorist groups while also preparing for possible conflict against Russia and China. It sees Armed Overwatch aircraft as capable of taking over the jobs of several specialised platforms, such as manned intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, fighters, bombers and gunships. Source: Embraer Embraer A-29 taking off from dirt runway The programme envisions using a light-attack and armed reconnaissance aircraft, such as a Sierra Nevada/ Embraer A-29 Super Tucano or Textron Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine, to conduct close air support and strike missions against terrorist groups and Islamic insurgences. The command has not decided on its final requirements, but is looking to buy commercially available aircraft for the role.