Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S)

The Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S) program, under Program Element PE 0206335M, is a key initiative of the Commandant of the Marine Corps Force Design. It is aimed at providing the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) with advanced hardware, software, equipment, and facilities for effective command, control, and coordination of aviation operations. The CAC2S family of systems supports the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF), Naval forces, Joint Services, and Coalition Forces. It integrates aviation command and control functions into an interoperable system that aligns with Marine Corps warfighting concepts. The program is managed by the Navy and funded through Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) appropriations.

Product Development objectives for CAC2S focus on enhancing sensor netting capabilities and integrating advanced radar and communications systems. In FY 2025 and FY 2026, the program continues interface development with systems such as the Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR), MINOTAUR Family of Services (MFoS), Composite Tracking Network (CTN), and Medium Range Air Defense Radar (MRADR) to support Joint Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD). Engineering efforts are underway to integrate the AN/TSQ-297 and AN/MRQ-13 communications subsystems into a vehicle-agnostic transport solution, which will increase operational flexibility. The development and testing of the Small Form Factor (SFF) variant of CAC2S, designed for rapid deployment and reduced signature, is also a priority to support Expeditionary Advance Base Operations and Marine Littoral Regiments.

Support activities in the CAC2S program are centered on maintaining cyber compliance and software interoperability. Annual cyber compliance tests and security reviews are conducted with each quarterly software release to ensure the system maintains its Authority to Operate (ATO) and Authority to Connect (ATC). The program is upgrading Tactical Data Link (TDL) capabilities to MIL-STD-6016 and MIL-STD-6020 standards, ensuring interoperability across services and with coalition partners. Software sustainment for fielded AC2S systems and modernization of sensor netting interfaces are ongoing, with additional support for Link-16 modernization through integration of MIDS JTRS technology.

Test and Evaluation efforts are crucial for validating system enhancements and new capabilities. In FY 2025 and FY 2026, the program develops test plans for new Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) related to technology refreshes, the SFF variant, and vehicle-agnostic transport solutions. Collaborative data analysis teams support tech refresh events, software builds, and integration testing. Joint Interoperability Testing Command (JITC) testing and certification ensure that upgrades meet operational requirements and maintain platform certification. These activities are essential for demonstrating traceability and effectiveness during test, demonstration, inspection, or analysis.

Management Services in the CAC2S program include support from vendors such as MITRE, which has assisted with integration efforts involving MACCS sensors, G/ATOR, CTN/CEC, and Ground-Based Air Defense (GBAD) development. MITRE's work on prototype radar and track data injection tools has facilitated contractor integration and government laboratory testing. The completion of MITRE's support in FY 2026 reflects the transition of integration responsibilities to internal teams as the program matures.

The CAC2S acquisition strategy is evolutionary, employing incremental and phased approaches to development and fielding. Increment I has replaced legacy aviation command and control systems in key Marine aviation agencies, with Phase 1 establishing baseline capabilities and Phase 2 addressing remaining ACE Battle Management Command & Control requirements. Full Deployment Unit production contracts have resulted in the fielding of systems between FY 2018 and FY 2020. The program continues to evolve with technology refreshes, SFF variant development, and integration of new transport and sensor solutions.