Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS)

The Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) is an important initiative led by the Department of the Air Force's Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communication, and Battle Management. Its main goal is to develop a resilient and widely distributable command and control capability within the DAF BATTLE NETWORK. This initiative supports the Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control warfighting concept. The program emphasizes architecture and systems engineering, digital infrastructure, software applications, and aerial networking to improve decision-making capabilities across the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, joint forces, and coalition partners.

A key component of ABMS is Architecture and Systems Engineering (ASE), which focuses on digital engineering to support technical development activities. ASE involves mission domain architecture development and analysis through Mission Integration Teams that facilitate quick reaction prototyping in response to warfighter needs. These efforts aim to identify capability gaps and establish standards for an integrated DAF BATTLE NETWORK architecture. This foundational work provides a blueprint for integration across air, space, maritime, land, and homeland defense domains.

The C3BM Digital Infrastructure thrust area aims to deliver secure processing environments for global command and control operations. This includes developing fixed and deployable digital infrastructure solutions such as Software Defined Wide Area Networks and Distributed Battle Management Nodes. These solutions are designed to provide robust data management capabilities at various security levels while supporting tactical edge operations. The efforts also include establishing an ABMS Battle Lab to facilitate direct interaction between warfighters and software development teams.

In addition to infrastructure development, ABMS focuses on modernizing battle management functions through cloud-based command and control systems under C3BM Software and Applications. These applications use artificial intelligence and machine learning to create a common operating picture for decision-makers. The program also explores aerial networking technologies with initiatives like Capability Release #1, which integrates secure communication subsystems onto platforms like the KC-46 aircraft. This effort aims to enhance situational awareness by connecting tactical air assets with the broader ABMS cloud infrastructure.