Air & Space Operations Center (AOC)

The Air & Space Operations Center (AOC) line item (LI 834530) in the FY 2026 Air Force budget is focused on the procurement and modernization of the Air Operations Center Weapon System (AOC WS), designated as AN/USQ-163 Falconer. The AOC WS serves as the senior element of the Theater Air Control System, providing the Combined/Joint Force Air Component Commander with the necessary tools for monitoring, planning, executing, and assessing theater-wide air and space operations. The overarching goal is to ensure the AOC remains capable of supporting the air battle campaign and meets the objectives of the Combined/Joint Force Commander.

A key objective of AOC Weapon System Modifications is to integrate and field improvements to existing third-party applications and develop replacement applications to address capability gaps and security vulnerabilities. The program includes upgrades to capital equipment, replacing components that have reached commercial end-of-life or end-of-support, and supporting direct mission requirements. These modifications are critical for maintaining interoperability, certification, and compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) directives and evolving IT/network environments. Upgrades are delivered through quarterly Agile Release Events, maintenance upgrades, emergency fixes, cybersecurity improvements, and other integration activities.

AOC Block 20 modernization is a central component, transitioning the fielded Block 10.1 system to a more secure and capable platform. Block 20 incorporates the Kessel Run All-Domain Operations Suite (KRADOS) and Application Transformation (AppTX) on the All Domain Common Platform (ADCP), enabling full Air Tasking Order/Air Control Order planning, dissemination, and execution. This modernization provides a unified event stream and common data formats for command and control (C2) applications. These enhancements improve operational effectiveness and resilience in major conflict scenarios.

The All Domain Common Platform (ADCP) is an extensible, hybrid cloud-based infrastructure and platform-as-a-service (IaaS/PaaS) designed to host resilient C2 mission applications and data. ADCP supports AOC modernization by enabling the deployment of cloud-based apps across a global infrastructure at multiple classification levels. In FY 2026, procurement funds are allocated for capital equipment replacement to address end-of-life components, build out network and security operations center (NOC/SOC) capabilities, and provide cybersecurity support to the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Battle Network. These investments ensure a resilient and efficient global data exchange from the warfighter C2 network to the tactical edge.

Specific procurement activities within this line item include capital equipment replacement for geographic/global AOC sites, AOC support sites, reserve and guard components, and fielding support for the System Program Office (SPO). Additional projects include the acquisition of deployable mini kits, laboratory experimentation for Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) and Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), and upgrades to technology such as Zero Trust Security, file server refreshes, and secure communication suites. These efforts are distributed across various Air Force bases, with Hanscom AFB and Langley AFB serving as primary locations for contract awards and deliveries.

The line item also supports integration within the Theater Air Planning System of Systems (TAP-SoS) architecture for the DAF Battle Network, aligning with broader USAF investments in mission planning systems, C2IMERA, and ABMS. FY 2026 procurement increases reflect additional equipment required for ongoing AOC modernization, including support for multi-level security data transfer, coalition connectivity, and secure internet-based communication. Program management and support elements ensure effective oversight and sustainment of these capabilities.