ISR Transport and Processing

The ISR Transport and Processing program element (PE 0305240F) within the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget is focused on advancing the Department of Defense's (DoD) capabilities for global air and space Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) data transport, imagery processing, data conditioning, and artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) augmentation. The goal is to serve national, theater, and tactical customers by enabling rapid and secure movement and exploitation of raw ISR data to support both operational and intelligence functions. This program element funds engineering development, acquisition, modernization, and migration of communications infrastructure, virtual imagery processing capabilities, high-performance computing environments, and machine-assisted geospatial intelligence tools.

Common Imagery Ground / Surface Systems is a key component of this program, with the objective of supporting enterprise interoperability across the ISR enterprise. This includes providing technical and integration support to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence & Security (OUSD(I&S)), Command and Control, Battle Management (C3BM), and Air Force Distributed Common Ground System (AF DCGS) interoperability efforts. A primary focus is the integration of new and emerging air and space-based sensors into the existing processing and communications architecture. This ensures that the ISR enterprise can adapt to evolving sensor technologies and data types in support of joint operations.

The Enterprise Interoperability effort, formerly known as DCGS Enterprise Interoperability, is designed to ensure seamless data sharing and operational compatibility across DoD ISR platforms and systems. In FY 2026, the program plans to continue supporting OUSD(I&S), C3BM, and AF DCGS interoperability, with increased emphasis on integrating new sensor data into the Virtual Imagery Processing Capability (VIP-C) and supporting communications architecture. This integration is critical for maintaining the relevance and effectiveness of ISR operations as new sensor technologies are fielded.

Common Imagery Processor (CIP) is the primary line item for developing and enhancing the Air Force's virtual imagery processing capabilities within the ISR Transport and Processing architecture. The main objectives include upgrading the VIP-C to improve geospatial coordinate accuracy, facilitate automated intelligence discovery, integrate advanced algorithms, and reduce processing latency. The project also supports development of a cloud-based infrastructure for ISR data, which is intended to enhance user interfaces and accelerate system security acceptance, streamlining the delivery of actionable intelligence.

A significant aspect of the CIP project is the continued refinement and scaling of foundational components, as well as the development of advanced technologies such as automated site monitoring, explainable AI/ML, and adversarial attack detection and mitigation. These advancements are intended to close the gap between image collection and actionable intelligence, enabling the ISR enterprise to process and exploit vast volumes of data more efficiently and effectively. The Machine Assisted Geospatial Intelligence (MAGE) initiative within CIP is a comprehensive effort to employ automation and augmentation at speed and scale, leveraging AI/ML to support rapid intelligence production.

Both the Common Imagery Ground / Surface Systems and Common Imagery Processor projects utilize an incremental acquisition approach, with development cycles and sprints or spirals to develop, field, and upgrade systems. Contracts are structured for full and open competition to the maximum extent possible, and strategic partnerships with National Laboratories and other agencies are leveraged to accelerate technology transition and integration. These acquisition strategies are designed to ensure that the Air Force can rapidly adapt to technological advancements and evolving operational requirements.

The ISR Transport and Processing program element aligns with broader USAF investments in the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), Tech Transition Air, and AF DCGS to deliver a robust Long Range Fires architecture for the Department of the Air Force's Battle Network. The program also includes necessary civilian pay expenses to manage and deliver these capabilities, with adjustments made to promote efficiencies in line with executive policy. The program's objectives are to ensure that the Air Force's ISR enterprise remains agile, interoperable, and technologically advanced to meet current and future intelligence needs.