Countering Advanced Conventional Weapons (CACW)

The Countering Advanced Conventional Weapons (CACW) program is a Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative within the Air Force, designated under Program Element PE 0301377F. The primary goal of CACW is to enhance the Defense Intelligence Enterprise's (DIE) capacity to analyze, model, and simulate advanced conventional weapon threats, particularly those posed by near-peer competitors. By investing in scientific and technical intelligence (S&TI), the program aims to close critical intelligence gaps in understanding, characterizing, and assessing the impact of top-priority threat systems and system-of-systems.

CACW is focused on the accelerated creation of authoritative threat engineering analysis, weapon system models, and integrated simulations of high-priority threat scenarios. The program supports the combined efforts of the Defense Intelligence Enterprise by providing scalable, scenario-based approaches to increase S&TI analysis and threat model development capacity. This is intended to improve the overall analytic health of the DIE and ensure that technical intelligence requirements are met for current and future operational needs.

A key objective of the CACW program is the development of advanced analytic tools and information technology (IT) capabilities that are critical to production needs. In fiscal years 2025 and 2026, the program is prioritizing the creation of tools that leverage machine learning, operations research analysis, advanced software configuration and development, and external assistance for proper set-up and prototyping execution of system-of-systems simulations. These efforts are designed to facilitate multi-domain, cross-functional technical simulation and modeling analysis, supporting the delivery of actionable intelligence to decision-makers.

The Analysis Enterprise is the primary budget line within CACW. The National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC), located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the performing activity for these efforts. The project focuses on the development and deployment of virtual desktop environments and analytic tools that will be used to support S&TI needs across the Defense Intelligence Enterprise.

CACW investments also include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. These funds supplement civilian pay expenses budgeted in related program elements, ensuring adequate staffing and expertise for the program's technical and analytic activities. This reflects the program's commitment to maintaining a skilled workforce.

The program is categorized under Budget Activity 7, Operational Systems Development, as it involves development efforts to upgrade systems that have already been fielded or approved for full-rate production. This designation indicates that CACW is focused on enhancing existing capabilities rather than initiating new system development. The acquisition strategy for CACW is anticipated to be a mix of contract types, assessed annually to ensure optimal support for the program's evolving requirements.