General Information Technology

The LI 834010 - General Information Technology line item in the Air Force's FY 2026 budget encompasses a broad portfolio of programs focused on the procurement and modernization of information technology systems that support command, control, communications, intelligence, training, and operational readiness. The overarching goal is to ensure the Air Force maintains secure, interoperable, and resilient IT infrastructure and capabilities across a wide array of mission areas. These areas range from tactical communications and electronic warfare to advanced simulation environments and training systems. This line item funds both recurring and non-recurring costs for hardware, software, and support services, with specific allocations for base and overseas operations.

US Northern Command Communications aims to enhance mission-specific communications for NORAD and USNORTHCOM, supporting the Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission. Objectives include extending PSTN, commercial internet, and cellular/First Responder Network connectivity to civil authorities via DoD satellite teleports. Funding supports lifecycle management of deployable communications systems, such as Emergency Response Vehicles, Mobile Command Platforms, and Rapid Response Kits. These efforts ensure rapid deployment and interoperability during national emergencies. Procurement includes infrastructure equipment and mobile systems, with contracts awarded to vendors and managed through Army Contracting Command.

Electronic Warfare Integrated Reprogramming (EWIR) is managed by the 453rd Electronic Warfare Squadron and provides analytical capabilities for DoD acquisition, mission planning, and execution. The program ensures electronic warfare systems can recognize and respond to electromagnetic spectrum changes, directly impacting aircraft survivability. Funding is allocated for the replacement of capital equipment, including client PCs, servers, storage systems, and network infrastructure, to support threat change analysis and distributed mission operations. This investment supports the continuous modernization of EW databases and analytical tools.

C2ISR Tactical Data Link supports the procurement and enhancement of tactical data networking systems, including Link 16, Link 11, Link 22, SADL, VMF, IFDL, TTNT, CDL, and MADL. The goal is to provide interoperability, situational awareness, and rapid information exchange across airborne, terrestrial, maritime, and space-based C4ISR networks. Funds are used for terminals, install kits, upgrade kits, retrofit kits, and management tools such as the Link Management and Monitoring Tool (LMMT) and Tactical Equipment Package (JTEP) with SPIDR software. These efforts enable dynamic management of multi-tactical data link networks and support decision-making for warfighters.

National Technical Nuclear Forensics continues efforts to procure terrestrial-based sensors and communications for prompt diagnostics, collection, analysis, and evaluation of nuclear detonations. Funding covers engineering integration, sensor procurement, and detailed installation plans executed by contracted partners. The program ensures rapid deployment and installation of specialized sensor nodes, supporting national security objectives related to nuclear event response and technical data collection.

Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) and Full Combat Mission Training are critical to advancing Air Force training and readiness. JSE provides a physics-based synthetic environment for high-end tactics, training, and testing, with funds supporting hardware, software, network infrastructure, and facility upgrades. Full Combat Mission Training enables integration of Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) capabilities, focusing on expanding and upgrading F-35 Distributed Mission Operations. These programs ensure operationally representative training and support the enhancement of warfighter skills in realistic, secure environments.

Other notable objectives within LI 834010 include Distributed Training and Exercises, Intel Data Applications, Security and Investigative Activities, Mission Partner Environments, and Contracting Information Technology System. These efforts support wargaming environments, intelligence data modeling, modernization of investigative IT systems, secure information sharing with allies and partners, and consolidation of contract management solutions. Each program is designed to address specific operational, training, or support requirements, with procurement strategies tailored to meet evolving mission needs and compliance with statutory mandates.