Electronic Warfare Development

The Electronic Warfare Development program, identified as Program Element (PE) 0604270F in the Air Force Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, is focused on advancing the capabilities of aircraft self-protection against increasingly sophisticated surface-to-air and air-to-air missile threats. The program's primary objective is to develop, test, and validate advanced expendable countermeasures and techniques compatible with existing dispenser systems, ensuring broad applicability across multiple USAF weapons platforms. This includes the development of flares, chaff, decoys, and associated components to address current and emerging threats, regardless of aircraft type.

Within PE 0604270F, the Advanced Infrared Counter Measures (AIRCM) project is the central line item. Its specific goals include improving aircraft survivability by countering missiles equipped with next-generation electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), dual-mode, or multi-mode seekers. The AIRCM project encompasses several related activities: threat acquisition and exploitation, countermeasure modeling and simulation, countermeasure development, and countermeasure testing. These activities are designed to yield new devices and capabilities, update digital threat models, and modernize tools and infrastructure necessary for ongoing research and development.

The Threat Acquisition & Exploitation sub-program is tasked with monitoring and analyzing foreign missile developments, acquiring threat systems, and developing surrogates for exploitation. This effort is supported by the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Missile & Space Intelligence Center, with increased investment aimed at expanding capacity to exploit multiple systems concurrently. The goal is to accelerate the discovery and delivery of effective countermeasure solutions by maintaining a comprehensive understanding of adversary technologies.

The Countermeasure Development sub-program covers all aspects of research, design, prototyping, and production of test assets for new countermeasures. Notable initiatives include maturing alternative pyrophoric materials with Army DEVCOM, developing lower-cost training flare devices, and supporting rapid prototyping. This work is intended to address environmental concerns, reduce reliance on sole-source vendors, and ensure the Air Force maintains a robust inventory of qualified countermeasures.

The Countermeasure Testing sub-program funds flight and ground-based testing, instrumentation, data collection, and modernization of test assets. Investments here are focused on reducing the timeline from countermeasure recommendation to validation, enabling more routine and cost-effective test events. The development of a pneumatic countermeasure sled track will provide precise position data for flares and aircraft, supporting digital model refinement and reducing operational costs.

The Countermeasure Modeling and Simulation sub-program supports the operation and advancement of modeling and simulation capabilities, including software, digital models, and IT infrastructure. Key partners include the Air Force Research Laboratory Dynamic Infrared Missile Evaluation (DIME) Laboratory, Georgia Tech Research Institute, and the Navy Infrared Countermeasures Effectiveness Laboratory. These efforts are critical for evaluating the effectiveness of countermeasures against IR and RF guided missiles and informing future development priorities.

Previously, the program included Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM) and Cognitive Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) efforts, which have since been transferred to separate program elements. Congressional adds in FY 2024 provided funding for AI and machine learning-enabled electronic warfare systems, reflecting a growing emphasis on leveraging advanced algorithms to enhance EW capabilities. The acquisition strategy employs a mix of government organic capabilities, Other Transactional Authorities, and agile contracting approaches to facilitate collaborative development and rapid prototyping. PE 0604270F is structured to deliver validated, cost-effective electronic warfare solutions that keep pace with evolving threats and operational requirements.