Combat Training Ranges

The Combat Training Ranges program in the Air Force budget is a comprehensive procurement initiative aimed at modernizing, sustaining, and expanding the United States Air Force's (USAF) electronic telecommunication and instrumentation equipment for training ranges worldwide. The primary goal is to ensure that air combat and electronic warfare (EW) test and training capabilities meet current and future operational requirements, particularly for 5th Generation and future aircraft. This program supports readiness by providing realistic, high-fidelity training environments, threat replication systems, and advanced range infrastructure.

Combat Training Range Equipment is a major component of this line item, focusing on the procurement of advanced threat emitters, fiber infrastructure, 5G SATCOM, and radio equipment. A significant objective is supporting the US Indo-Pacific Command's Pacific Multi-domain Training and Experimentation Capability (PMTEC) initiative. This includes enhancing infrastructure in Guam and the Second Island Chain to establish a live air-to-air training range for joint interoperability, maritime strike, and high-end training.

The program also addresses Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortage (DMSMS) and obsolescence issues through targeted investments in studies, bridge buys, and supplier part replacements.

Advanced Radar Threat System Variant 1 (ARTS-V1) is designed to deliver dual long-range strategic Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) threat systems for use on DoD training ranges. The objective is to provide realistic closed-loop threat replication to test and train aircrews, with a focus on 5th Generation aircraft survivability and tactics development. Funding is allocated for system enhancements to maintain currency with evolving threat intelligence and to provide interim contractor support for fielded systems, particularly at the Nevada Test and Training Range.

Radar Signal Emulator (RSE) procurement aims to provide advanced SAM radar threat systems capable of replicating multiple threats at the fidelity required for 5th Generation and multi-domain training. The RSE supports major training complexes such as the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC) and the Nevada Test and Training Range. Funds are dedicated to modifying and updating threat characteristics of fielded systems to ensure continued realism and effectiveness in training scenarios.

P6 Combat Training System (CTS) is intended to bridge critical training capability gaps by enabling comprehensive and realistic air combat training. Key objectives include the implementation of a trusted operating system, Multiple Level Security (MLS) architecture, Type 1 encryption, and enhanced processing capabilities. The P6 CTS consists of airborne participant subsystems, ground systems, and ancillary range communication infrastructure, supporting both Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground training. Funding will procure ground systems, spares, and support services such as site surveys, installations, and interim contractor support.

Live Mission Operations Capability (LMOC) is a modernization effort for range control centers, integrating common hardware and software to support live-synthetic training missions. The LMOC provides a node-based enterprise that enables blended live-synthetic training for 4th and 5th Generation aircraft in a multi-level secure environment. Funding supports the procurement of LMOC platforms and associated program support costs, with the goal of enhancing mission coordination and training realism.

Range Equipment funding is also allocated to upgrades and modernization efforts for legacy and 5th Generation aircraft training, including the Joint Advanced Weapon Scoring System (JAWSS), electronic warfare threat subsystems, and range safety systems. Investments are made in modeling, threat control, integrated air displays, and data aggregation to support operational training and test infrastructure.

The objective is to maintain and enhance the capability, reliability, and relevance of USAF combat training ranges in support of evolving operational requirements and joint readiness.