Combat Survivor Evader Locator

The Combat Survivor Evader Locator (CSEL) program is a joint Department of Defense initiative managed by the Air Force under Program Element (PE) 1203176F. Its primary objective is to provide aircrews and isolated personnel with secure, global satellite-based emergency communications during both combat and peacetime operations. The CSEL system is a mandatory component of aircrew survival gear and serves as the DoD program of record for personnel recovery survival radios, supporting four of the five Personnel Mission Phases: Report, Locate, Support, and Recover.

A key goal of the CSEL program is to modernize its communications capabilities in response to the National Security Agency's Cryptographic Modernization mandate and the end-of-life status of the Ultra High Frequency Follow-On satellite constellation. This modernization effort includes integrating common waveforms and broadcast reception for non-CSEL devices, thereby enhancing interoperability and security. The system's upgrades are essential for maintaining reliable communication links between isolated personnel and rescue forces, which is critical for successful recovery operations.

Within PE 1203176F, the Combat Search and Rescue Engineering and Manufacturing Development (CSAR EMD) project focuses on the development of the CSEL Portable Interrogator. The objective is to create a portable device that enables direct terminal area communication between aircraft and isolated personnel, independent of aircraft modifications. This capability is designed to allow communication with any designated aircraft, including those not equipped with specialized rescue radios. The portable interrogator aims to precisely locate isolated personnel using the CSEL architecture, minimizing the need for extensive audio communications that could compromise both rescue forces and the individual.

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Aerospace Dominance Enabler Division at Hill AFB, UT, provides contracting, engineering, and logistics support for the development of the CSEL Portable Interrogator. Program management is overseen by the PEO Electronic Systems at Hanscom AFB, MA, ensuring coordinated development and integration across the Air Force and other service branches. The Personnel Recovery Division leads the technical and operational requirements, with potential support extended to other DoD customers.

In FY 2026, the efforts and funding associated with PE 1203176F and the related project are scheduled to be transferred to PE 0207279F (Isolated Personnel Survivability and Recovery). This consolidation is intended to streamline program management, reduce the number of program elements, and enhance efficiency in delivering personnel recovery capabilities. The transfer reflects a strategic realignment of resources to better support the overarching mission of isolated personnel survivability and recovery.

The CSEL program also includes provisions for civilian pay expenses necessary to manage, execute, and deliver system capabilities, although no funds were expended or forecasted for this purpose in FY 2024 or FY 2025 under this program element. These expenses, if needed, would supplement those budgeted in related program elements focused on personnel recovery and communications.