Airborne SIGINT Enterprise

The Airborne SIGINT Enterprise (ASE) program, managed by the U.S. Air Force under Program Element 0304260F, is a comprehensive research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing airborne Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities. The program supports the National Defense Strategy (NDS) and the Next Generation ISR Dominance Flight Plan, aiming to deliver multi-domain, multi-intelligence systems that address emerging threats across the spectrum of military operations, including highly contested environments. ASE is guided by the SIGINT Capabilities Working Group (SCWG), which prioritizes and synchronizes technology investments to ensure alignment with urgent Combatant Command requirements and departmental priorities.

A major line item within ASE is the development of SIGINT sensor capabilities for the RC-135V/W Rivet Joint, RC-135U Combat Sent, and RC-135S Cobra Ball aircraft. Funding is allocated for design, engineering analysis, development, test, and integration of these capabilities. The program leverages commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions to rapidly field new capabilities and manages the integration of replacements for components affected by Diminishing Manufacturing Sources. Key objectives include the delivery of new signal sets, upgrades to current capabilities, and the implementation of quick-reaction prototypes to accelerate technology transition. The Big Safari Systems Group oversees development and integration, employing evolutionary acquisition strategies for incremental improvements.

Common development activities support design studies, engineering analysis, and risk reduction for fielded SIGINT sensors and their associated air and ground components. This project emphasizes the development and integration of open architecture sensor systems to enable rapid adaptation to new signals of interest. The Open Architecture Technology Lab (OATL), managed by the Air Force Research Lab, serves as a central hub for prototyping and testing these capabilities. The project also addresses Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) and supports modeling, simulation, and technology risk reduction efforts to sustain SIGINT operations in highly contested environments.

COMPASS BRIGHT is a technology maturation effort within ASE that develops and transitions SIGINT and Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT) capabilities for the RC-135 fleet, other DoD ISR platforms, and national agencies. The program focuses on advancing Communications Intelligence (COMINT), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), audio analytics, special signals of interest, and radio frequency MASINT technologies. COMPASS BRIGHT also pursues multi-intelligence fusion, integrating data from sources such as Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) to provide a comprehensive ISR picture. Projects are selected annually through a data call process and prioritized by the SCWG, with an emphasis on rapid acquisition and transition of promising technologies to operational platforms.

Special programs fund the development and integration of advanced SIGINT capabilities for classified and special mission platforms, including quick reaction capability sensors and associated processing, exploitation, and dissemination systems. The project targets new signal sets, antenna and sensitivity upgrades, data distribution enhancements, and advanced deployment capabilities. A significant focus is placed on modernizing SIGINT systems for the MQ-9A remotely piloted aircraft and other platforms, providing near-term combat capability improvements as technologies mature and risks are mitigated. Integration and testing are conducted on various platforms, with prototypes developed by other government agencies and transitioned to vendors as production needs arise.

Across all ASE projects, the objective is to maintain the warfighter's decision advantage through the development of interoperable, open architecture-based SIGINT systems that can operate effectively in permissive, contested, and highly contested environments. The program ensures joint, allied, and coalition interoperability by participating in the development and implementation of data and architecture standards. Civilian pay expenses necessary for program management and execution are included, supplementing other budgeted elements. The ASE program employs evolutionary acquisition approaches, rapid prototyping, and incremental upgrades to address urgent and emerging warfighter needs, with funding allocations adjusted periodically based on SCWG priorities.