Which system provides ground picture for air-to-ground surveillance?

The Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) is specifically designed to provide ground situation awareness and target tracking, making it a key asset for air-to-ground surveillance. It utilizes advanced radar technologies to detect and track moving ground vehicles, providing critical data to commanders for both reconnaissance and targeting purposes.

JSTARS operates by flying high above the battlefield and utilizing its multi-mode radar to generate real-time imagery of ground movements. This capability allows air and ground forces to maintain situational awareness, which is essential for effective and coordinated strikes against enemy forces. The system's ability to relay information swiftly back to command centers enhances decision-making and mission planning.

While other systems, such as AWACS and TAC(A), have their own roles in air operations, they primarily focus on air-to-air surveillance or command and control functions rather than specifically providing detailed ground picture. The Air Support Operations Center (ASOC) plays a different role by coordinating air support for ground operations but does not itself provide the ground surveillance capabilities like JSTARS. Thus, JSTARS stands out as the most appropriate and specialized system for the requirement of air-to-ground surveillance.