Comm Elect Mods

The LI 838010 - Comm Elect Mods line item in the Air Force's FY 2026 budget request is focused on the procurement and modification of critical communications and electronic systems. The overarching objective of this line is to sustain, modernize, and enhance the reliability and operational availability of a range of command, control, and air traffic management systems. These efforts are essential for maintaining mission readiness, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and addressing obsolescence and diminishing manufacturing sources (DMSMS) across multiple platforms.

Efforts for the Atmospheric Early Warning System (AEWS), Joint Surveillance System (JSS), and North Warning System (NWS) are aimed at combating obsolescence and maintaining operational availability by implementing technical refreshes and procuring replacement components. Specific actions include the acquisition of Digital Array Row Transceivers, data register bypass cables, Radar Data Processor upgrades, Frequency Synthesizer technical refreshes, and Local Controller Control Unit updates. The deployment of the Archer Remote Sensing System is also funded to transition from prototype to production. These measures are designed to ensure compliance with Authority To Operate requirements and mitigate risks associated with aging systems and commercial off-the-shelf components.

The Air Traffic Control and Landing Systems (ATCALS) program provides for fixed base and deployable ATCALS modifications to address DMS issues and minor system deficiencies identified through the Weapon System Review-Executive Council and other policy mechanisms. The modifications are based on commercial off-the-shelf technology and are intended to decrease unscheduled maintenance, enhance performance, and improve operational safety. Funding supports the continued procurement, installation, and program support for these low-cost modifications, which are prioritized by the program office and the Weapon System Review-Executive Council.

The Air Traffic Navigation, Integration and Coordination System (ATNAVICS) provides mobile, terminal area air traffic control radar surveillance and communications, particularly in adverse weather and night conditions. Legacy systems are being decommissioned, and two refurbished Army ATNAVICS systems will serve as a bridge until the Multi-function Tactical Radar System is fielded around 2035. Funding is directed toward procuring obsolescence and DMS mitigation kits, as well as installation and program support, to sustain these interim systems.

The National Airspace System (NAS) program, a joint DoD/FAA effort, is focused on sustaining and upgrading the Digital Airport Surveillance Radar, Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System, and Automatic Protocol Exchanger kits. The objectives are to resolve DMS issues, maintain standard configuration with the FAA, and ensure interoperability with host nation automation systems. Funding supports procurement of hardware, installation, and program support costs for these modifications, including RF amplifier and driver replacement kits, plot extractors, sustainment kits, and protocol exchanger kits.

The Over-the-Horizon Backscatter Radar (OTHR) effort supports the procurement of hardware and infrastructure for OTHR systems to address NORAD/NORTHCOM, USINDOPACOM, and Joint Emerging/Urgent Operational Needs. Funding includes acquisition of transmit and receive site components, ionospheric sounder systems, and site security infrastructure. These investments are intended to enhance long-range detection and tracking capabilities.

The LI 838010 - Comm Elect Mods line item addresses aging infrastructure, maintains mission-critical operational availability, and ensures compliance with evolving technical and regulatory standards. The line item also supports government efficiency initiatives by prioritizing low-cost, high-impact modifications and reducing reliance on obsolete or unsupportable components. These efforts are coordinated across multiple agencies, including the Air Force, FAA, and Army, and are critical for both homeland defense and military support to civil authorities.