Guided MLRS Rocket (GMLRS)

The Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S) is a key program within the Department of the Navy's FY 2026 budget request, specifically under the Marine Corps' procurement for Communications and Electronics Equipment. CAC2S is designed to modernize and consolidate aviation command and control (C2) capabilities for the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF), supporting not only Marine Corps operations but also joint and coalition force integration. The program's primary objective is to provide the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) with advanced hardware, software, and facilities to effectively command, control, and coordinate aviation operations in increasingly complex operational environments.

CAC2S Increment I focused on replacing legacy systems in the Direct Air Support Center (DASC), Tactical Air Command Center (TACC), and Tactical Air Operations Center (TAOC). This increment was fielded in two phases: Phase 1 established baseline capabilities for improved air command and control performance, while Phase 2 addressed remaining ACE Battle Management Command & Control (BMC2) requirements. The AN/TSQ-197 Air Command and Control System (AC2S), a central component of Increment I, reached full rate production and deployment by FY 2020. To maintain operational effectiveness and compliance with evolving IT standards, the AN/TSQ-197 AC2S requires a technology refresh every five years, replacing obsolete hardware and software with new commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components.

CAC2S Small Form Factor (SFF) Variant is a recent addition, developed in response to identified capability gaps associated with Expeditionary Advance Base Operations (EABO) and future force design concepts. The SFF variant consists of scalable, survivable aviation C2 nodes that are rapidly deployable, emit at a lower signature, and have reduced size and weight. These nodes are capable of controlling aircraft and missiles, integrating sensor data, and supporting distributed operations for the Marine Littoral Regiments (MLRs). The FY 2026 budget supports the procurement of SFF systems, associated spares, and fielding activities, with assembly and delivery managed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center - Crane Division (NSWC-Crane).

Link 16 Modernization is another critical objective for CAC2S, mandated by the Deputy Secretary of Defense to ensure interoperability across all Services. The program integrates the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems (MIDS JTRS), which supports the Link 16 tactical data link and additional communication protocols. Link 16 enables near-real-time exchange of tactical information among military aircraft, ships, and ground forces, enhancing situational awareness and operational effectiveness. FY 2026 funding continues to support procurement and integration of Link 16 modernization components, although at a reduced level compared to previous years.

Prime Mover Integration addresses the transition from the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) to the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) as the primary platform for CAC2S systems. This initiative involves integrating the AN/TSQ-297 and AN/MRQ-13 Communications Subsystem onto the M1279 JLTV and M1289 trailer, improving mobility, protection, and payload capacity for command and control assets. FY 2026 funding supports procurement of engineering change proposal (ECP) materials and integration activities required for this transition.

Support and Training Activities are also funded under this line item, including engineering and fielding support as well as new equipment training (NET) for operators and maintainers. These activities ensure that newly procured systems are effectively integrated into operational units and that personnel are prepared to employ the advanced capabilities provided by CAC2S. The FY 2026 request reflects a decrease in support and training costs, aligning with the reduced quantity of systems being procured.