Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS)

The Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS) program, managed under Air Force RDT&E Budget Activity 7 for Operational Systems Development, is designed to provide warfighters with timely, worldwide threat warning and situational awareness information. The IBS system disseminates Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) derived combat information, including target tracking data, to support threat avoidance, targeting, force protection, and situational awareness. The program leverages both strategic and tactical sensors to refine and deliver near-real-time information to users across the globe.

IBS Over-the-Air (OTA) Modernization is a primary focus of the FY 2026 budget, with objectives centered on enhancing broadcast communication pathways. This includes integration and fielding of IBS over the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), development and testing of a common waveform architecture, and the implementation of alternative transmission paths such as IBS-Alternative Path (IBS-A), IBS-Low Earth Orbit (IBS-L), High Frequency (HF), Starshield, and Line of Sight (LOS) capabilities. The modernization efforts also support the Joint Tactical Terminal Next Generation (JTT-NG), ensuring incorporation of new requirements to maintain interoperability and resilience in contested environments.

IBS Over-the-Air (OTA) Baseline Enhancements are aimed at improving existing capabilities, specifically through upgrades to the Tactical Display Processor (TDP) and cryptographic systems for IBS-A and IBS-L. These enhancements ensure secure and reliable dissemination of critical intelligence data by supporting modernization of uplink sites, integration of ready components, and compliance with cyber security requirements. The program also supports ongoing efforts to refine the Common Message Format (CMF) standards, which underpin consistent and interoperable message exchange across platforms.

IBS-Network Services (IBS-NS) Modernization seeks to increase the throughput, timeliness, and portability of intelligence data by replatforming the IBS-NS capability onto modern servers and refactoring software for cloud architecture transition. The IBS-NS consists of two Global IBS Network Servers (GINS) and four Theater Interface Nodes (TINs), which collectively enable integration of theater data into a worldwide operational picture accessible to all users. Modernization efforts are intended to support legacy network transition, improve scalability, and ensure continued support to geographic Combatant Commanders (CCDRs).

Test and Evaluation activities are integral to the IBS program, ensuring that both OTA and NS systems and subsystems meet operational requirements. These efforts, conducted by organizations such as the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) and the 45th Test Squadron, involve interoperability and development testing to validate new capabilities and upgrades. The program also includes enterprise systems engineering and integration support, which facilitates the alignment of IBS enhancements with broader Air Force and joint operational needs.

The IBS program employs a sole source, single award, IDIQ contract acquisition strategy, supplemented by Military Interdepartmental Purchase Requests (MIPR) to other government agencies. This approach enables efficient modernization and enhancement of the IBS broadcast infrastructure, leveraging specialized expertise and existing government resources. The program's funding profile reflects a prioritization of OTA modernization and network services upgrades, with adjustments made to align with evolving operational requirements and congressional directives.