C3 Countermeasures

The C3 Countermeasures program, as outlined in Air Force budget line item 834320, is designed to enhance the resilience and survivability of Air Force command, control, and communications (C3) systems against evolving cyber and electronic threats. The program encompasses several distinct but interrelated initiatives, each focused on either procurement or modernization of critical cyber defense, training, and operational infrastructure. The overarching objective is to ensure the Air Force can maintain mission assurance, defend its weapon systems and infrastructure, and provide a decision advantage to warfighters in contested environments.

Mission Defense Teams (MDT) are a central component of this line item. The MDT program aims to increase the resilience of Air Force major weapon systems and supporting infrastructure by leveraging specialized teams that utilize the Mission Assurance Cyber Coordination Element (MACCE) and support from Sixteenth Air Force (16AF). Funding supports procurement of mission support equipment to process data and protect USAF networks and systems at multiple classification levels. This includes hardware essential for defending Department of Defense (DoD) network enclaves and mission/air gap weapon systems from unauthorized intrusion, exploitation, and destruction. The MDTs are critical for breaking adversary kill chains and ensuring high-end readiness.

Distributed Cyber Warfare Operations (DCWO) focuses on providing innovative, tested, and deployable cyberspace solutions in support of offensive cyberspace operations (OCO). Funding continues investment in hardware and software, including recapitalization for systems supporting the standup of the 179th Cyber Wing in Mansfield, OH, which is integral to the Cyber Enabled Air Superiority (CEAS) initiative. The DCWO program supports USAF OCO units, Combatant Commands, and other authorized agencies by delivering specialized infrastructure and capabilities across multiple mission areas.

Air Force Defensive Cyberspace Operations (DCO) is responsible for procuring commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and software for the Integrated Defensive Cyberspace System (IDCS). The budget supports both mobile kits for MDTs and Cyber Protection Teams (CPTs), as well as fixed systems deployed to all Department of the Air Force bases. These systems provide situational awareness and defense of key cyberspace terrain, protecting USAF networks and mission systems at various classification levels. The DCO initiative is closely aligned with the 2022 National Security Strategy's pacing challenge, aiming to deter near-peer aggression and ensure the integrity of Air Force operations.

Joint Information Operations Range (JIOR) provides a closed, global live-fire information operations range complex for the DoD. Funding supports equipment and software modernization, enabling JIOR to expand service to new sites while maintaining existing access points. JIOR is essential for training, certifying, and recertifying cyber mission forces, and it supports a wide range of mission areas including Information Operations, Electronic Warfare, Spectrum Warfare, Space Operations, and Special Operations Forces.

Cyberspace Training and Ranges supports the procurement of student mission training systems, including hardware, software, infrastructure, and facility modifications to meet the growing needs of Information Warfare and Cyber Operations training. The budget continues investment to expand training capacity, supporting the Air Force Cyber Operations Forces Training Enterprise. This includes upgrades and maintenance for cyber classrooms, ensuring that training infrastructure keeps pace with evolving operational requirements.