C3I Cyber Advanced Development

The C3I Cyber Advanced Development program, as outlined in Army Program Element (PE) 0603457A, is focused on maturing and demonstrating advanced technologies for both offensive and defensive cyber operations within tactical environments. The overarching goal is to optimize devices, techniques, services, software, and algorithms that enable cyber situational awareness and Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA). This program directly supports the Army's Network Modernization Priority and aligns with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering's strategic focus areas, as well as the Army modernization strategy.

6CY: Autonomous Cyber Advanced Technology aims to counter adversarial use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) by developing defensive cyber operations (DCO) software capabilities for multi-domain operations. The objectives include providing tactical network cyber defenders with AI/ML capabilities to autonomously detect and respond to cyber threats. Key efforts involve developing adaptive sensors and decision aids for cyber defenders, maturing network micro-segmentation methods based on zero trust principles, and demonstrating cyber obscuration technologies that mask networks and systems to disrupt attackers. The project is also working on enabling migration to Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms to secure Army networks against quantum computing threats.

8CY: Information Trust Advanced Technology is focused on ensuring the integrity and authenticity of data traversing Army networks, particularly in the presence of cyber-attacks. The project leverages commercial technologies such as blockchain and machine learning to detect data anomalies and assure decision makers that information has not been tampered with. Efforts include modernizing Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and implementing dynamic access control for tactical environments, which supports fine-grained, data-centric access control aligned with zero trust principles. The project also includes maturing zero trust concepts for tactical networks, enhancing adversarial robustness of machine learning models, and improving access control management for non-person entities (NPEs).

A significant congressional add under 8CY: Information Trust Advanced Technology in FY 2025 provides funding for high bandwidth cryptomodule enhancements and certification. This funding is intended to accelerate the development and certification of advanced cryptographic modules capable of supporting high bandwidth tactical communications, thereby improving the security and resilience of Army networks against sophisticated cyber threats.

9CY: Network Access and Effects Advanced Technology is dedicated to advancing mission management tools and workflows that support the agile deployment and execution of Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO) and Radio Frequency (RF) enabled capabilities. The project's goals include developing automated mission planning and staging methodologies, as well as tools for evaluating and comparing courses of action in dynamic environments. The focus is on enabling mission planners and operators to keep pace with the complexity of near-peer engagements in Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), and optimizing concepts that reduce mission timelines through automation.

Each of these projects is executed by the Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center, ensuring technical integration and alignment with Army priorities. Funding adjustments across fiscal years reflect realignments to related program elements, such as Network C3I Technology and Electronic Warfare Advanced Technology, in support of evolving Army priorities in electronic warfare and micro sensing. The acquisition strategies for these projects emphasize fostering innovation and accelerating the deployment of promising technologies through capability-based agile funding pilots.