DCGS-AF

The DCGS-AF (Distributed Common Ground System Air Force) program is the Air Force's primary Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C2ISR) node. It supports global orchestration and sense-making for Joint Task Force Commanders, Air Component Commanders, Combatant Commands, and other directed organizations. The core objective is to provide timely, fused multi-intelligence (Multi-INT) products and actionable ISR data across the continuum of conflict, enabling rapid decision-making and effective targeting. The system leverages a resilient, distributed cloud architecture and robust communications to connect, direct, and exploit a wide array of sensors, transforming multi-source data into intelligence that supports simultaneous kill chains and mission requirements.

The AF DCGS SWP Program (Software Acquisition Pathway) is a major initiative beginning in FY 2026, designed to streamline the integration, development, testing, and fielding of new and updated GEOINT, SIGINT, and Multi-INT capabilities. The SWP approach allows for more responsive incorporation of warfighter requirements and accelerates the deployment of software-centric capabilities. The program includes Mission Applications, Mission Data Services, and Operations Integration & Transformation, with a single ACAT III for Network Infrastructure Transformation. Funding supports procurement, integration, testing, and fielding of new software applications for imagery, full-motion video, sensor management, data fusion, and cyber security mandates, as well as program management and operational sustainment.

GEOINT Transformation focuses on rapidly integrating new and updated geospatial intelligence capabilities, including hardware and software from commercial and government sources. Its goals are to enable seamless integration of new sensors, data types, and command and control capabilities into the DCGS cloud architecture, supporting analyst workflows for sense-making, fusion, and object-based production. The transformation leverages mission partner tools and methods and is being consolidated into the SWP Program in FY 2026. Funding in prior years and FY 2024 2025 supported procurement and contractor services for these upgrades.

Network Infrastructure Transformation aims to modernize the DCGS network transport and distributed cloud architecture, ensuring a cyber-resilient, open, scalable, and commercial-based infrastructure. This line item supports the procurement and integration of hardware and software for data ingest, transfer, storage, collaboration, and discovery, including ground line of sight capabilities for ISR airborne assets. The transformation also supports convergence efforts to federate Air Operations Center, DCGS, and Targeting into a digital infrastructure. FY 2026 funding increases enable additional hardware procurement and installation, as well as cyber security compliance and support for security assessments.

Multi-Intelligence (Multi-INT) Upgrades are designed to integrate new and updated enterprise services and applications, such as voice and chat communications, collaboration, situational awareness, data fusion, and analytics (including AI/ML and AAA technologies). These upgrades support analyst workflows for sense-making and fusion, and enhance interoperability through data exchange capabilities aligned with DoD's Common Data Fabric and Space Force's Unified Data Library initiatives. The Multi-INT effort also includes test and evaluation activities for the DCGS enterprise and is being integrated into the SWP Program for FY 2026.

Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Transformation seeks to rapidly integrate new and updated SIGINT capabilities, including hardware, software, and contractor support. The objectives are to enable quick integration of new sensors, data types, sensor planning, C2, and data link visualization into the DCGS cloud environment, supporting analyst workflows for sense-making and fusion. Mission partner tools are leveraged to maximize effectiveness, and this effort is also being consolidated into the SWP Program in FY 2026.

ISR Transport and Processing is a classified line item supporting the transport and processing of ISR data within the DCGS enterprise. While detailed objectives and activities remain classified, funding supports reliability and maintainability modifications to ensure the secure and efficient movement and exploitation of ISR data. This line item is critical for maintaining the operational effectiveness of the DCGS system and aligns with broader DoD goals for data sharing, interoperability, and mission assurance.