Expendable Countermeasures

The Expendable Countermeasures program, as outlined in Line Item 356010 of the Air Force's FY 2026 budget, is designed to procure and sustain a diverse inventory of flares, chaff, and impulse cartridges essential for the self-protection of both combat and non-combat aircraft. The primary objective of this program is to equip Air Force platforms including the A-10, F-16, C-17, C-130, F-15, C-5, and F-35/JSF, as well as HH-53 and HH-60 helicopters with advanced countermeasures capable of defeating modern infrared (IR) and radar-guided missile threats. This procurement is critical for ensuring mission survivability and enhancing the odds of safe aircraft return in increasingly contested environments.

The program funds the acquisition of several types of flares, each tailored to defeat evolving threat systems. The M206 Flare is an IR countermeasure used against heat-seeking missiles and is being replaced by the more advanced MJU-61 for F-35 and other platforms. The MJU-62 Flare offers multi-spectral protection and is used in cocktail patterns to confuse advanced IR missiles, primarily on C-17 and C-5 aircraft. The MJU-66 Decoy Flare and MJU-73 Spectral Flare provide enhanced decoy effectiveness and are being qualified for use on a broader range of aircraft. These flares are procured through various agencies, including the Army's Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition (SMCA), the Navy's PMA-272, and directly by the Air Force.

Additionally, the program supports the procurement of hand-held and marine location markers such as the MK-124 and MK-58, which are vital for personnel recovery and rescue operations. These devices enable downed aircrew or survivors to signal their location during search and rescue missions, contributing to broader force protection objectives. The MJU-52A/B Decoy and MJU-75/MJU-76 Flares represent ongoing modernization efforts, replacing legacy systems to meet the requirements of newer aircraft and threat environments. Procurement quantities are adjusted annually based on operational needs and inventory objectives, with flexibility to address emerging requirements and critical shortfalls.

The Impulse Cartridges subprogram is another major component of this budget line, providing the mechanical means to deploy flares and chaff from aircraft dispensers. Cartridges such as the BBU-35, BBU-36, BBU-48, BBU-59, BBU-63, ARD-446, CCU-145, and CCU-107 are tailored for specific aircraft and countermeasure types, ensuring compatibility and reliability in operational settings. The program also funds the procurement of various chaff rounds including RR-170, RR-180, RR-188, RR-196, RR-198, and RR-199 which are essential for confusing radar-guided missile systems and protecting aircraft from electronic warfare threats.

Program goals include maintaining robust War Reserve Materiel (WRM) stockpiles and ensuring test and training allocations for active, Guard, and Reserve components. Funds are also allocated to address production challenges such as Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS), material shortages, and obsolescence issues, including qualification activities and supplier or parts replacement. This ensures continuity of production and future capability, especially for electronic components that are commercially sourced and may be in short supply.

Justification for the program is rooted in the need to counter increasingly sophisticated adversary missile systems and to support the operational requirements of advanced fifth-generation aircraft. The higher unit costs for newly designed countermeasures reflect their complexity and effectiveness against the latest threat systems. The FY 2026 request also incorporates reductions for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote government efficiency, in alignment with Executive Order 14222. The program supports homeland defense, domestic emergency response, and military support to civil authorities, as required by Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act.