Command, Control and Communications Systems

The COMMAND, CONTROL AND COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS program element (PE 0603760E), managed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), focuses on advanced technology development to enhance the Department of Defense's (DoD) capabilities in command, control, and communications (C3). The goal is to research, demonstrate, and evaluate next-generation information systems that provide U.S. forces with timely, reliable, secure, and synchronized dissemination of command and situational awareness data across all military echelons. This capability is critical for maintaining operational effectiveness in both traditional and contested environments.

CCC-02: INFORMATION INTEGRATION SYSTEMS develops and demonstrates technologies that enable effective and resilient communications for military operations. Objectives include creating high-capacity links for improved data backhaul, advancing networking technologies for resilience and adaptability, and developing low probability of detection/anti-jam (LPD/AJ) solutions for assured communications in high-threat environments. The project also invests in novel radio frequency and spectral sensing (RF/SS) to manage spectrum efficiently and detect electromagnetic threats. Efforts are designed to transition advanced technologies to the U.S. Space Force, Space Development Agency, and the military Services.

Space domain Wide Area Tracking & Characterization (Space-WATCH) is focused on enabling real-time, persistent tracking of objects in low Earth orbit (LEO) by leveraging proliferated, on-orbit sensors hosted on commercial platforms and automated data fusion algorithms. This program aims to improve the DoD's space situational awareness and enable rapid response to orbital anomalies, with technology transitioning to the Space Force and Space Development Agency. Generating Communications Channels to Operate (GeCCO) seeks to assure secure communications in contested environments by leveraging commercial cellular networks and developing architectures that prevent adversary pattern-of-life analysis, with a focus on operational flexibility and privacy.

Strategic Chaos Engine for Planning, Tactics, Experimentation and Resiliency (SCEPTER) is designed to use machine-generated strategies to explore complex military engagement scenarios, identifying vulnerabilities and novel courses of action at high speed. The program's goal is to continuously evaluate and improve war plans as operational conditions change, supporting warfighter planning organizations. Space-Based Adaptive Communications Node (Space-BACN) addresses the challenge of interoperability between heterogeneous satellite constellations by developing a reconfigurable optical communications terminal and a cross-constellation command and control system, supporting both government and commercial satellite networks.

Mission Integrated Network Control (MINC) aims to create agile, self-healing, and heterogeneous communications networks that autonomously adapt to battlefield conditions and mission needs. The technology will translate warfighter requirements into communication services, discover and configure network nodes, and enable adaptive effects chains for joint all-domain operations. The program also supports the establishment of a Government off-the-shelf repository for C3 technologies to facilitate Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control (CJADC2).

CCC-05: CYBER SYSTEMS focuses on developing, implementing, and demonstrating techniques, tools, and frameworks for the full spectrum of cyber operations. Objectives include creating operational prototypes for cyber defense and offense, leveraging technologies from applied research, industry, and academia. Key programs include Carcosa, which develops cyber situational awareness tools for tactical operators; Constellation, which enables full-spectrum cyberspace operations through rapid technology deployment; Resilient Software Systems Capstones (RSS Capstones), which demonstrates formal methods-based software assurance; and Mechanical Reckoning, which develops digital site survey capabilities for force protection. These efforts are closely coordinated with U.S. cyber operators and acquisition programs to ensure operational relevance and rapid transition.

CCC-06: COMMAND, CONTROL AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS funds classified DARPA programs that are reported in accordance with statutory requirements. While specific details are not publicly available, this line supports advanced research and development in C3 technologies for national security applications. Beginning in FY 2026, efforts from this program element will transition to new DARPA program elements focused on advanced technology development and enabling technologies, reflecting an ongoing evolution of research priorities and funding structures within DARPA's portfolio.