Battle Control System - Fixed

The Battle Control System - Fixed (BCS-F) program is a critical component of the Air Force's homeland defense infrastructure, supporting the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) air sovereignty and defense missions. BCS-F is a bi-national effort with Canada, designed to provide a robust, fixed-site battle management command and control system. Its primary objective is to integrate data from both current and future civil and military surveillance systems, creating a comprehensive and actionable air picture to support the planning, direction, coordination, and control of air defense forces across U.S. sovereign airspace.

A key goal of the BCS-F program is to maintain and enhance the capability to conduct peacetime air sovereignty operations and to seamlessly transition to active air defense operations in the event of aggression. The program supports the replacement and modernization of capital equipment at fixed Air Defense Sectors, including infrastructure upgrades, addressing Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS), and replacing equipment that does not qualify for Centralized Asset Management (CAM) funding. These efforts are essential to prevent system obsolescence, meet evolving cybersecurity requirements, and ensure the system can integrate future capabilities as threats and technologies evolve.

The Region/Sector Operation Control Center Modernization Program is a major line item within this budget, focusing on the technical refresh and hardware upgrades for BCS-F. Funds are allocated for integrating new and emerging sensors and data sources, updating site configurations to match modified baselines, and procuring hardware necessary to maintain the mandated cybersecurity posture and Authority to Operate (ATO) requirements. This modernization is justified by the need to keep pace with technological advancements and to maintain operational readiness in the face of evolving threats.

Another significant component is the National Capital Region - Integrated Air Defense System (NCR-IADS), which was rapidly fielded after September 11, 2001, to provide ground-based air defense for the airspace over the National Capital Region. NCR-IADS delivers an integrated air picture, air defense weapons, enhanced regional situational awareness (ERSA), and forensic data collection capabilities. The budget supports the refresh of legacy camera systems, addressing mission-critical DMS and material shortages, adding artificial intelligence (AI) automated tracking, and upgrading software and site infrastructure to ensure continued effectiveness and cybersecurity compliance.

The NCR-IADS ERSA Camera Modernization line specifically funds the replacement and upgrade of visual sensor elements that are at end-of-life, ensuring the system remains operational and secure. This includes procurement of new camera systems, integration of AI-based tracking, and improvements to site infrastructure. These upgrades are necessary to prevent obsolescence, maintain cybersecurity, and support the collection of forensic data for enhanced situational awareness and response.

In addition to hardware and software modernization, the budget includes Program Support Costs (PSC) to fund management, engineering, and technical support for the program office. This support is vital for addressing DMS and obsolescence issues, including life-of-type or bridge buys to sustain the program of record quantities. The request also reflects a reduction in Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and align with Executive Order 14222, which advances government cost efficiency initiatives.