Advanced Aerospace Sensors

The Advanced Aerospace Sensors program (PE 0603203F) is an Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) initiative focused on the research, development, and demonstration of advanced sensor technologies to enhance Department of the Air Force surveillance, targeting, and electronic combat capabilities. The overarching goal is to deliver high-impact, multi-domain science and technology solutions that address both current mission gaps and future transformational operational needs. The program supports the development of electro-optical sensors, multifunction radio frequency (RF) sensors, precision navigation and timing systems, and electronic countermeasures. These technologies are integrated into seamless, fused capabilities for rapid fielding and operational use.

The primary project within this program element is focused on developing and demonstrating aerospace sensor and processing technologies for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), targeting, and attack radar applications on both crewed and uncrewed platforms. Significant funding increases are planned in FY 2026 due to the integration of related efforts from the Electronic Combat Technology portfolio. Key efforts involve multi-function and multi-domain RF and electro-optical systems, radar and electronic warfare technology, and advanced algorithms for sensor fusion and autonomy. The project aims to provide actionable information to operators, enable detection of concealed or time-critical targets in contested environments, and support the Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) framework.

One effort within this project is focused on developing technologies and techniques for finding, identifying, and maintaining custody of high-value land and maritime targets, especially in highly contested environments. This includes the integration of multi-domain, cross-platform sensors (electro-optical/infrared, RF, spectrum dominance, and PNT) and advanced processing to support edge decision-making and conventional ISR missions. Emphasis is placed on multi-modal sensing, sensor fusion, and the development of autonomous operations. These capabilities aim to provide persistent, resilient battlespace awareness and to feed actionable data into the JADC2 enterprise.

Another effort, newly emphasized in FY 2026, seeks to develop and demonstrate integrated electro-optical, RF, electronic warfare, and PNT systems for enhanced Air Force kill chain operations. This includes the initiation of open architecture digital RF arrays, synthetic test environments for virtual mode testing, and mission systems for autonomous collaborative platforms. The goal is to optimize blue force kill chains by improving detection, tracking, and targeting of airborne threats through advanced sensing and processing.

A major new focus in FY 2026 is the consolidation of electromagnetic warfare and resilient PNT technology development. The objective is to counter advanced electromagnetic threats in contested environments by developing cognitive electromagnetic warfare technologies, multi-spectral support and attack concepts, and robust GNSS and alternative PNT solutions. This includes the creation of open architecture standards, rapid transition pipelines for electronic warfare algorithms, and field demonstrations to support technology transition into operational Air Force platforms.

Another project under this program element emphasizes advanced automation and autonomy for multi-domain, multi-intelligence, and multi-platform sensing. The goals include developing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning-driven solutions for battle management, fire control, predictive analytics, target recognition, and sensor fusion. The project supports robust ISR and targeting in adverse conditions and against deceptive adversary techniques, with a focus on software-intensive solutions suitable for cloud-based and operational environments.

A key effort under this project aims to design, develop, and demonstrate AI tactical autopilots and sense-making systems for multi-ship/multi-role combat operations. This includes developing AI-driven predictive analytics, multi-platform orchestration, and safe autonomy tools for both airborne and satellite teaming operations. Additional objectives are to optimize air refueling operations, enhance human-machine teaming through neuroscience and psychology frameworks, and create common representation languages to improve trust and situational awareness in mixed crewed/uncrewed teams.