Airbase Air Defense Systems (ABADS)

The Airbase Air Defense Systems (ABADS) program is the principal Air Force initiative under Program Element (PE) 0207522F, focused on developing and fielding advanced airbase defense capabilities. The program's overarching objective is to provide the ability to detect, track, identify, and defeat a range of airborne threats to missions and assets, including small-unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), rockets, artillery, mortars (RAM), and cruise missiles. ABADS supports both missile defense (MD) and counter-sUAS (C-sUAS) efforts to protect personnel, infrastructure, and critical assets at Air Force installations, aligning with national security strategy requirements.

ABADS Missile Defense (MD) aims to deliver a configurable system that integrates Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) and Government Off the Shelf (GOTS) sensors with Non-Kinetic Effector (NKE) technologies. These are managed through a tailored Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2) subsystem, which leverages GOTS products and the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) Digital Infrastructure. The goal is to provide adaptive, resilient, and dedicated air defense capability that can operate independently or as part of a multi-layered defense-in-depth architecture.

Funding for ABADS MD supports the operationalization of NKEs following prototype transition from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), maintenance of a Government DevSecOps software pipeline for ongoing software updates and capability upgrades, and alignment with the ABMS portfolio for enhanced digital infrastructure and cloud-based command and control.

ABADS Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) is designed to address the rapidly evolving threat posed by inexpensive and highly capable sUAS platforms. The program's objectives include continuous threat analysis, capability evaluation, and the development of an open system architecture to reduce life cycle costs and enable deployment to over 180 Air Force installations. ABADS C-sUAS employs a system-of-systems approach, integrating sensors and effectors into a robust Command and Control (C2) interface capable of detecting, tracking, identifying, and defeating sUAS threats. The Air Force coordinates closely with the DoD Joint C-sUAS Office (JCO) to ensure annual efforts are aligned and effective.

Funding for ABADS C-sUAS focuses on further development and testing of Command, Control, Communication, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) systems, including enhancements to the Medusa C2 System. Objectives include supporting Joint All-Domain Command & Control (JADC2) development, integrating electronic warfare capabilities, artificial intelligence, operator workload reduction, closed-loop training systems, and sensor fusion. The program continues electronic warfare upgrades, cyber hardening of new system changes, and management of JCO-funded Ninja development. Studies, analyses, and evaluations are conducted to identify and address capability gaps, streamline acquisition, and accelerate technology transition.

A significant ABADS C-sUAS objective is the development of technical solutions for the National Capital Region (NCR) Common Operating Picture (COP), aimed at protecting Presidential aviation assets. This includes joint interoperability of C-sUAS sensors, development of correlation and fusion processing, and the creation of cyber-secure cloud infrastructure for data dissemination and processing. The budget request reflects continued investment in the Next Gen C2 Systems (CNGCS) Middle Tier of Acquisition effort, supporting both RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. The program also supports innovation activities, quick-reaction capability prototypes, and planning for future acquisition programs.

From an acquisition perspective, ABADS MD utilizes Indefinite Deliverable/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) contracts for prototype capability development, with support from the ABMS Division within PEO C3BM and AFLCMC providing Other Transaction Authority. The C-sUAS program follows a Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) approach to rapidly prototype capabilities and leverages engineering and integration contract support to respond to evolving threats. Both efforts emphasize improving cybersecurity posture, resolving system gaps, and implementing Agile DevSecOps processes for continuous integration and delivery of software updates.

The ABADS program element is categorized under Budget Activity 4, Advanced Component Development & Prototypes (ACD&P), reflecting its focus on evaluating integrated technologies and prototype systems in realistic operating environments. The program is structured to support ongoing research, development, testing, and evaluation activities necessary to deliver advanced airbase defense capabilities, with funding adjustments made to promote efficiencies and align with government cost efficiency initiatives. Civilian pay expenses required for program management and execution are also supported as needed, ensuring effective delivery of weapon system capability.