Budget Account
3600F - Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force
Budget Activity
07 - Operational system development
Description
The Intelligence Mission Data (IMD) program, managed by the Air Force, focuses on enhancing capabilities in advanced non-cooperative target recognition (NCTR), operational reconnaissance, and traditional electronic intelligence (ELINT). The primary objective is to support the development of automated tools that facilitate data processing and improve analysis, production, and dissemination. This effort aims to enable centralized data warehousing and data discoverability, which are crucial for streamlined rapid reprogramming for both operational and acquisition end users.
The IMD program is part of the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) efforts under Operational Systems Development. It involves creating tools across various domains such as Electronic Warfare Integrated Reprogramming (EWIR), Collection & Processing (C&P), Modeling & Simulation (M&S), and Signatures. These tools are designed to inform acquisition efforts, enhance combat identification, and ensure survivability for air superiority and global strike platforms. The program also supports the production of intelligence mission data vital for maintaining air superiority.
In fiscal year 2024, the program plans to continue developing these automated tools with a focus on improving their efficiency and effectiveness. However, there has been a decrease in resources from fiscal year 2024 to 2025 due to shifting priorities within the Air Force. This reduction is expected to slow down the production of IMD tools, databases, and modeling and simulation capabilities.
Despite these challenges, the IMD program remains committed to its long-term goals of advancing all-source analysis and production capabilities. The strategy includes assessing contract types annually to ensure flexibility and adaptability in meeting its objectives. By continuing its development efforts, the IMD program aims to maintain its critical role in supporting Air Force operations through enhanced intelligence capabilities.