The Air Force's E-4B, which the president would use to direct forces during nuclear war, is nearing the end of its life and will be replaced by the SAOC.
The decision marks the service’s most significant step yet as it aims to create a series of drones using autonomous software to fly alongside piloted jets.
Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, is in line for a nuclear-sized upgrade as the Department of Defense plans to update its nuclear deterrence capability.