Battle Control System - Fixed

The Battle Control System - Fixed (BCS-F) is a key initiative under the Air Force's Electronics Programs, aimed at enhancing homeland defense and air sovereignty missions. This program is a collaborative effort between the United States and Canada, supporting the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and Northern Command (NORTHCOM). The primary objective of BCS-F is to integrate data from existing and future civil and military defense surveillance systems. This integration creates a comprehensive air picture that aids in air surveillance, air defense, and control of U.S. sovereign airspace.

A significant component of the BCS-F is the National Capital Region - Integrated Air Defense System (NCR-IADS), which was rapidly developed post-September 11, 2001. NCR-IADS focuses on providing ground-based air defense for the National Capital Region by delivering an integrated air picture, air defense weapons, enhanced situational awareness, and forensic data collection capabilities. The program aims to address issues related to Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS), integrate artificial intelligence for automated tracking, and upgrade both hardware and software to incorporate new sensors and technologies.

The modernization efforts within the Battle Control System aim to prevent system obsolescence while ensuring compliance with new cybersecurity requirements. This involves capital equipment replacement activities at fixed Air Defense Sectors, including infrastructure upgrades and addressing Diminishing Manufacturing Sources. Additionally, there is a focus on maintaining the mandated cybersecurity posture and Authority to Operate requirements through hardware upgrades that do not qualify for Centralized Asset Management funding.

The Battle Control System - Fixed seeks to enhance peacetime air sovereignty operations while ensuring readiness for active air defense operations in case of aggression. The program supports management, engineering, technical support, and potential solutions for manufacturing source diminishment and obsolescence challenges. These efforts are crucial in maintaining a robust homeland defense infrastructure capable of adapting to emerging threats and technological advancements.