Air Force Studies and Analysis Agency

The Air Force Studies and Analysis Agency program, under Program Element (PE) 0901226F, is dedicated to advancing the analytical capabilities of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and supporting joint force operations through the development and modernization of modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) tools. The primary goal is to provide strategic assessments that inform high-level decisions regarding force structure, operational lethality, risk mitigation, and combat agility. These analytical products are used by senior leaders, including the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and Chief of Space Operations, to guide modernization, procurement, and programming decisions in alignment with the National Defense Strategy.

A key initiative within this program is the Joint Modeling, Simulation and Analytics Gateway, which aims to deliver an enterprise digital platform that supports common, reusable, and interoperable MS&A tools and data. The Gateway is designed for use by a broad range of users from the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, academia, industry, and coalition partners. Its objectives include enhancing information sharing, integrating with existing platforms such as the Navy's LaunchPad and the Intelligence Community's Red Door, and providing secure access for coalition partners, with AUKUS nations prioritized. Development efforts focus on improving cybersecurity, zero trust architecture, and identity management, with the platform expected to achieve initial operational capability in early FY2025 and full operational capability by late FY2026.

The Analytical Framework for Simulation Integration and Modeling (AFSIM) serves as the government-owned simulation framework for medium-fidelity, operational-level modeling and analysis. AFSIM supports assessments of warfighting capabilities, strategies, tactics, and emerging technologies across multi-domain conflicts. Used by hundreds of organizations, including coalition partners, AFSIM informs investment decisions on major weapon systems. Planned enhancements include developing common model repositories, improving cyber and electromagnetic spectrum representations, integrating with the Joint Simulation Environment, and expanding capabilities for space warfare, AI-assisted modeling, and logistics support. These upgrades are prioritized by a joint governance structure and are intended to establish AFSIM as an enterprise product available to a broad user base.

The Synthetic Theater Operations Research Model (STORM) is the DoD's preferred tool for campaign-level MS&A assessments in highly contested scenarios. STORM provides strategic insights into modernization, science and technology investments, and procurement decisions, supporting future force design, airbase defense, missile defense, and nuclear modernization. Development priorities include enhancing models for high-altitude nuclear detonation effects, space surveillance, and command and control, as well as integrating over-the-horizon radar and space domain capabilities. STORM is also being containerized for cloud deployment, increasing accessibility for both DoD and coalition partners. These efforts are guided by a joint governance structure and informed by ongoing studies and industry engagement.

The Airfield Damage-Assessment and Resiliency Model (AD-ARM) is a prototype tool designed to evaluate agile combat support concepts in contested environments. Its objectives are to provide analytical insights into airbase sortie generation, resource management, ground attrition, and defense tradeoffs. Planned improvements include refining logic modules, expanding aircraft types, optimizing refueling networks, and enhancing database architecture. The model will also integrate geospatial engineering features and expand coverage to additional bases in INDOPACOM and CONUS regions. Efforts will focus on improving cybersecurity and containerizing the software for cloud deployment, thereby supporting both DoD and non-DoD users.

The Next-Generation Campaign Modeling Tool Suite Development is a new initiative intended to replace STORM and address its limitations in modeling space, cyber, and electromagnetic spectrum domains. SAF/SA has been designated as the Joint Service Lead for this effort, which will deliver advanced campaign-level analytics aligned with strategic priorities such as Golden Dome, Long-Range Kill Chain, and space orbital warfare. Activities in FY2025 include establishing a Program Management Office, developing acquisition strategies, and preparing requirements for the first spiral of software development. In FY2026, the program will fund civilian PMO positions, award a system integrator contract, and begin agile software development to support joint users.

The Air Force Studies and Analysis Agency program is structured to modernize and integrate MS&A capabilities across the Department of Defense, Joint Force, Intelligence Community, industry, academia, and coalition partners. The program's objectives are to ensure effective, affordable, and interoperable analytical tools that support decision-making for current and future operational needs. Acquisition strategies vary by sub-project, with a mix of existing and new contracts, and development timelines extending through FY2030 to achieve full operational capability for each major initiative.