Air Force Special Warfare (SPECWAR)

The Air Force Special Warfare (SPECWAR) program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 0207457F, is a comprehensive line item within the Air Force Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget for FY2026. The overarching goal of this program is to develop, modernize, and integrate advanced systems and equipment for Air Force Special Warfare Airmen, including Guardian Angel (GA), Special Tactics/Combat Control (ST/CC), and Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) personnel. These efforts are intended to ensure that Air Force Special Warfare operators maintain the technological edge required to accomplish unique and challenging missions across the full spectrum of military operations.

The ST System Development (Special Tactics/Combat Control) sub-element focuses on the Special Warfare Acquisition Growth and Refresh (SWAGR) initiative. The objective is to develop, integrate, test, and field the latest technology and equipment for Special Tactics operators, enhancing their capabilities in global access, precision strike, personnel recovery, electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO), counter-unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and ground-based suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD). Funding supports continued software development and modernization of body-worn kits, tactical communications, ground mobility, and small UAS. The program also advances situational awareness, information management, and airpower integration, with a focus on rapid technology transition and addressing emerging threats.

The TACP Support sub-element is dedicated to the development and modernization of training systems for Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Airmen. The primary effort is the Joint Terminal Control Training and Rehearsal System (JTC TRS), which provides a high-fidelity, distributed mission operations-capable simulator for Special Warfare Airmen, including TACP, ST/CCT, and Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) roles. Funding will continue development of AI-based role player capabilities, integration of WARHAWK software into simulation systems, and address Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) by transitioning to modular, open system architectures. These efforts are critical for maintaining required training and proficiency levels in accordance with U.S. and partner nation standards.

The Guardian Angel RDT&E sub-element supports the ongoing modernization of the Guardian Angel Family of Systems (FoS), which is essential for Air Force Personnel Recovery (PR) missions. The program serves Pararescuemen (PJ), Combat Rescue Officers (CRO), and Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE) specialists. Funding will be used for studies, strategic planning, software upgrades (notably to the Special Warfare Assault Kit), and developmental testing to enhance capabilities in maritime recovery, ground mobility, technical rescue, medical simulation, and visual augmentation. The focus is on standardization, interoperability, and reducing the size, weight, and power (SWaP) of mission equipment to improve operator effectiveness.

Equipment Modernization is centered on the modernization of TACP weapon systems. The objective is to provide TACPs with advanced voice, data, and video communications, targeting equipment, and enhanced battlefield awareness across all domains. Key efforts include the development of TACP Mission Software, WARHAWK, and Special Warfare Assault Kit (SWAK)/Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) software, as well as the prototyping of Tactical Laser Communications. These initiatives aim to improve command and control, reduce kill chain timelines, and enable resilient communications in contested environments, while also supporting rapid innovation and technology insertion.

Across all sub-elements, the Air Force Special Warfare (SPECWAR) program emphasizes joint development and procurement to consolidate requirements, standardize equipment, and reduce costs. The program leverages partnerships with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and other Department of Defense (DoD) entities to ensure efficient acquisition, testing, and fielding of new capabilities. The FY2026 budget request reflects a coordinated approach to addressing current operational needs and anticipated future threats, with a focus on rapid prototyping, agile software development, and maintaining readiness for Air Force Special Warfare operators.