Distributed Cyber Warfare Operations

Distributed Cyber Warfare Operations falls under Budget Activity 7: Operational Systems Development and is part of the Air Force's Research, Development, Testing, and Evaluation (RDT&E) budget. The program's primary goal is to conduct RDT&E leading to operations-ready cyberspace superiority capabilities. This includes transitioning efforts from laboratory, industry, and academia via studies, accelerated prototyping, and technology demonstrations. The program focuses on four capability areas required for cyber warfare operations: Platform, Access, Infrastructure, and Payloads/Weapons. It aims to provide offensive cyberspace capabilities by balancing acquisition-related RDT&E efforts within these areas to deliver cyber effects in support of Combatant Commanders.

The program encompasses a portfolio of programs and projects providing offensive cyberspace capabilities. It aims to develop and field Air Force-unique connectivity and required infrastructure across multiple spectrums leveraging industry and other Government/non-Government mission partner applications and programs. Additionally, it focuses on the development of cyber tools and exploits by leveraging industry and other government/non-Government mission partnered developed applications and programs. The program also includes necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in other related program elements. Overall, the program aims to enhance the Air Force's cyber warfare capabilities through research, development, testing, and evaluation activities.