Counterspace Systems

The Counterspace Systems (CTRSPC) line item in the Department of the Air Force's FY 2026 budget request supports the procurement of technologies and systems aimed at maintaining U.S. space superiority by countering adversary use of space-based capabilities. This program, managed under the United States Space Force, is primarily focused on providing both offensive and defensive space control measures to ensure the resilience and effectiveness of U.S. and allied space operations in contested environments. Funding levels in prior years and FY 2024/2025 reflect higher procurement as major systems were fielded and integrated.

The Counter Communications System (CCS) Pre-planned Product Improvement (P3I) program is a central component of this line item. CCS delivers expeditionary, deployable, and reversible offensive space control effects, specifically designed to deny adversary satellite communications within a given Area of Responsibility. The system targets adversary capabilities such as Command and Control, early warning, and propaganda dissemination, supporting U.S. and allied freedom of action in the space domain. FY 2026 funding for CCS is allocated to support the integration, targeting, and delivery of production systems, including remote operations suites, antennas, mission emulators, training equipment, and associated spares necessary for operational deployment and sustainment.

CCS program objectives are guided by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council-approved Capability Development Document, with all required capabilities being implemented as upgrades to the CCS Block 10 baseline. The program is structured to be responsive to urgent operational needs, including hosting rapid reaction capabilities to address emerging threats. The Acquisition Decision Memorandum from April 2009 mandates that all Block 20 capabilities be realized through these planned upgrades, ensuring that the system remains relevant in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

The Bounty Hunter (BH) system is another significant element previously funded under this line item. BH is a ground-based, deployable tactical space Electronic Warfare System that provides satellite communications geolocation and interference detection to support defensive space control for U.S. systems. Its primary mission is to monitor, detect, characterize, and geolocate both friendly and adversary electromagnetic interference across multiple radio frequency bands, thereby protecting Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence systems. BH was initially developed in response to a Joint Urgent Operational Need and was formally incorporated as a Program of Record in 2019, reaching Initial Operational Capability in August 2020.

While Bounty Hunter received procurement funding in prior years, the FY 2026 budget does not include additional procurement funding for this system. The program management office for BH is being realigned from the United States Air Force to the United States Space Force, reflecting the broader transition of space operations responsibilities. Developmental funding for BH continues under the Counterspace Systems program element, ensuring ongoing support for system enhancements and sustainment as required by Combatant Commands.

The overarching goal of the Counterspace Systems line item is to provide the United States with the ability to rapidly respond to and mitigate adversarial threats in the space domain. FY 2026 activities will focus on implementing system resiliency and enhancing situational awareness to ensure operational continuity in contested space environments. This includes program office support, technical studies, and leveraging commercial, interagency, and international partnerships to maintain technological and operational advantages.