E-4B National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC)

The E-4B National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC) program, under Program Element (PE) 0302015F, is a critical Air Force initiative focused on ensuring the survivability, modernization, and operational effectiveness of the E-4B fleet. The E-4B aircraft serve as the National Airborne Operations Center, providing a highly survivable command, control, and communications platform for national and military leadership during crises, including nuclear and non-nuclear conflicts or natural disasters. The overarching goal of this budget line is to sustain and enhance the E-4B's ability to function as a secure, resilient node within the National Military Command System (NMCS), supporting the Senior Leadership Command, Control and Communications System (SLC3S), National Leadership Command Capability (NLCC), and Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3).

A major modernization effort within this program is the upgrade and replacement of obsolete components of the E-4B's Jam-Resistant Secure Communications (JRSC) system. The objective is to meet Presidential Policy Directive (PPD)-35 and related national security requirements by ensuring continued secure, survivable communications as satellite and ground infrastructure evolves. This includes transitioning from the Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) to more advanced systems, with upgrades to Ka-band and Ku-band communications, new modem technology, and integration of common workstations. The modernization effort is structured in two increments, each split into two installation phases to expedite deployment and minimize aircraft downtime, with ongoing development and prototype installation activities planned through FY 2026.

Another key component is the ground-based test environment that mirrors the E-4B's mission systems and network connectivity. The primary goal is to streamline modernization and technical refresh cycles by reducing the time required for on-aircraft installation, testing, and configuration. This approach supports increased Aircraft Availability (AA) and operational readiness. The test environment is being developed in blocks, starting with the integration of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency/Presidential National Voice Conferencing (AEHF/PNVC) backbone, followed by the incorporation of Mission Equipment Section (MES) systems and further expansion of network and communication capabilities based on evolving priorities.

A new initiative beginning in FY 2026 focuses on replacing obsolete secure touchscreen phones used by senior national leaders aboard the E-4B. This effort aims to enhance computing performance, improve hardware durability, and maintain multi-level security requirements, thereby ensuring compliance with PPD-35 across a full spectrum of crisis scenarios. The upgrade is essential for maintaining secure and reliable communications for national leadership during critical operations.

The acquisition and management strategy for these modernization efforts is tailored to the urgency and technological maturity of each component. The Executive Aircraft Division at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, manages program execution, with oversight from the Program Executive Officer (PEO) for Presidential and Executive Airlift at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio. Contracting approaches typically begin with engineering studies and progress to development and production contracts, with sustainment provided through Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) agreements.

Funding adjustments in recent years reflect evolving priorities and Congressional direction, including increases for support equipment and new technology development, as well as targeted reductions and reprogramming to align with program needs. Recent years have included Congressional increases for support equipment and significant investments in new initiatives. The program is classified under Budget Activity 7, Operational Systems Development, as it focuses on upgrading fielded systems and preparing for future production funding.