Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS)

The Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS) under the Air Force is designed to enhance the delivery of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) data to support military operations. Its primary goal is to provide warfighters with timely threat warnings and situational awareness through the integration and dissemination of ISR-derived combat data. This is achieved by developing and modernizing IBS Over the Air (OTA) and IBS Network Services (NS), which include components like Common Interactive Broadcasts on UHF satellite channels and Global IBS Network Servers.

The IBS OTA modernization efforts focus on developing and testing communication pathways that ensure reliable broadcast capabilities under various conditions. This involves demonstrating the use of Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) and enhancing cryptographic measures for secure data transmission. Additionally, there is an emphasis on improving command and control capabilities and automating planning tools for active producers within the broadcast system.

For IBS Network Services, modernization efforts are centered around transitioning legacy systems to a cloud-based architecture to improve data throughput, timeliness, and portability. The program also explores incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities to enhance operational efficiency. Enhancements to existing baseline capabilities aim to significantly increase performance in terms of throughput, storage, and replay capacities, thereby addressing increased message volumes.

IBS Enterprise Support provides essential systems engineering and integration expertise for these developments. This includes exploring alternate dissemination pathways such as integration into a proliferated-Low Earth Orbit constellation. The program also focuses on refining technical requirements for future acquisition strategies while advising on cloud transition strategies. Test and Evaluation activities ensure that all system components meet operational standards, with adjustments reflecting inflationary pressures and completion of specific development phases.