Battle Mgmt Com & Ctrl Sensor Development

The Battle Management Command & Control Sensor Development program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 0604283F, is a key Air Force initiative focused on advancing operational systems development for integrated homeland defense. The primary objective of this budget line is the replacement and modernization of the Hawaii Air Route Surveillance Radar Version 4 (ARSR-4), which is currently located on Mount Ka'ala, Oahu. This effort is designed to address critical surveillance capability gaps for the Department of Defense (DoD) and provide dual-use support for both military operations and Hawaii Air Traffic Control (ATC) under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The ARSR-4 Replacement - Hawaii project is the central line item within this program element. Its specific goals are to develop, test, and install a new long-range radar system that can meet the evolving threat environment in the Indo-Pacific region. The replacement system will utilize a non-rotating, multi-panel, phased array radar architecture, offering persistent surveillance, improved accuracy, and enhanced detection performance. This capability is intended to support advanced engagement sequences, provide fire control quality data, and enable integrated command and control (C2) for both Area Air Defense (AAD) and ATC missions.

The program addresses several key objectives. First, it aims to overcome limitations of the legacy 1980s ARSR-4 system, which cannot adequately characterize or classify modern air threats, nor cover all required airspace. Second, the new radar will be scalable and upgradable to keep pace with technological advancements and emerging threats, such as air-launched cruise missiles. Third, the modernization effort is expected to reduce sustainment, operations, and maintenance costs associated with obsolete equipment and infrastructure.

Development activities for ARSR4R-HI are structured in two phases. Phase I involves the award of two Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contracts for rapid prototype capability demonstrations, preliminary design reviews, and cost estimates. The program office will evaluate these demonstrations and proposals to select the best-performing and most cost-effective vendor. Phase II will then award a Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 15 contract to a single vendor for non-recurring engineering, mature prototype delivery, installation, integration with C2 nodes, and full system testing at the Mt. Ka'ala site.

Supporting activities include site preparation, system engineering, research and analysis, spectrum and cyber certification, and test and evaluation. The FAA and MITRE are involved in research and system engineering, while the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center manages program support, logistics, and financial oversight. The 46th Test Squadron at Eglin AFB will conduct developmental testing, and long-term operations and sustainment will transition to the National Airspace System Defense Program/Long Range Radar Joint Program Office after initial operational capability.

The FY 2026 budget request for ARSR4R-HI includes discretionary and mandatory reconciliation funds, which, combined with prior year funding, enables the Phase II contract award and continuation of site preparation. The acquisition strategy leverages rapid prototyping and competitive down-selection to accelerate delivery and operational acceptance. Civilian pay expenses are also included to support program management and execution, in addition to those budgeted in other related program elements.