Joint Information Operations Range

The Support to Information Operations (IO) Capabilities program, under the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation Management Support, aims to enhance the Department of Defense's capabilities in information operations. A key component of this initiative is the Joint Information Operations Range (JIOR), which provides a secure, closed-loop network for mission rehearsals, training, testing, and experimentation. JIOR supports various mission areas including Information Operations, Electronic Warfare, Offensive and Defensive Cyber Operations, Spectrum Warfare, Space Operations, and Special Operations Forces.

The primary objective of JIOR is to offer a realistic threat environment where Cyber Mission Forces can train and certify on the full spectrum of cyber weapons and capabilities without risk of observation or fratricide. Accredited by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), JIOR operates at security levels ranging from Unclassified to Top Secret-Special Compartmented Information (TS-SCI). It is also approved for use by Special Access Programs and Special Technical Operations. This ensures that Combatant Commands, Services and Agencies, along with allied partners, can test deployment strategies and gain insights into advanced cyberspace and Electronic Warfare capabilities.

JIOR integrates available cyberspace ranges with training and test communities to provide access to critical infrastructure, cyber targets, internet traffic, and opposing forces. This integration supports Presidential policy and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff mandates for training over 6,000 cyber mission forces. Annually, hundreds of mission rehearsal events are conducted on JIOR by various agencies. The completion of the Integrated Simulation and Analysis project in FY 2023 marked a significant milestone in achieving these objectives.

As part of its ongoing efforts to sustain and modernize research facilities required for general research and development activities, this program aligns with broader DoD goals. Although funding for this specific element concluded in FY 2023 following the completion of its RDT&E activities, its accomplishments continue to support critical defense operations across multiple domains.