Joint Fires Network (JFN)

The Joint Fires Network (JFN) is a program managed under the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Its primary goal is to deliver a multi-domain, resilient decision network at the theater strategic and operational levels. This network is designed to provide a persistent targeting common operating picture and mission command applications, enabling senior decision makers to optimize the allocation of weapons across military Services and partner organizations with increased speed and scale.

Program Objectives for the Joint Fires Network focus on research, development, and demonstration of advanced command and control (C2) capabilities. JFN aims to integrate multi-domain targeting and fires information, supporting rapid decision-making in complex operational environments. The network operates within the Special Access Program (SAP) security domain, ensuring that sensitive information is protected while facilitating collaboration among authorized users.

In FY 2026, the JFN program will transition from a prototype phase to a formal program of record, overseen by a newly established JFN Integrated Program Office (IPO). The Department of the Air Force Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications, and Battle Management (PEO C3BM) will serve as the lead component, with deputies from the Services and the Defense Information Systems Agency. The transition will also include the release of the JFN v2.0 product baseline, featuring updates to the multi-level security architecture, cloud hosting, enhanced multi-domain C2 planning tools, predictive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and unified battle management applications.

A key objective in FY 2026 is the activation of the first JFN operations center at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. This center will support capability development, exercises, and rehearsals, as well as cross-Combatant Command experimentation to inform requirements for extending JFN to additional geographic regions, allies, and partners. Additional JFN nodes are planned for integration with U.S. Cyber Command, U.S. Space Command, U.S. Strategic Command, and U.S. European Command, leveraging the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office's tactical data mesh initiatives.

Budget Justification for the FY 2026 request centers on the mandatory funding needed to support the transition to Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office program budget and execution oversight. This transition is intended to ensure robust integration between the Joint Fires Network and Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control capabilities, with a focus on bi-directional data sharing and interoperability. After the initial transition year, ongoing budget and execution oversight will remain at the Office of the Secretary of Defense level under the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office to maintain alignment with Combatant Command requirements.

The Acquisition Strategy for JFN in FY 2026 does not include procurement activities; rather, it emphasizes continued research, development, and demonstration. The program will leverage various contract methods and performing activities to advance the product baseline and support operational integration. The schedule profile indicates that major development activities will occur from the fourth quarter of FY 2025 through the fourth quarter of FY 2027, aligning with the planned transition and expansion of JFN capabilities.