Long Range Kill Chains

The Long Range Kill Chains program, part of the Air Force's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation for Space Force, is dedicated to developing advanced systems to improve target engagement in contested environments. This initiative aligns with the Department of the Air Force's Operational Imperative 3, which focuses on achieving moving target engagement at scale. It involves collaboration among the U.S. Space Force, the Air Force, and the Intelligence Community to design and deploy space-based Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) systems. These systems are crucial to the Advanced Battle Management System and Joint All-Domain Command and Control concepts.

Within this program, the Moving Target Indicator project aims to replace part of the aging E-8C JSTARS sensing capability with a more advanced space-based system. This project is essential for tracking surface targets in various operational environments, providing a strategic advantage by operating from space rather than relying on aircraft that may not be viable in contested areas. The initiative uses mature commercial technologies to expedite development and deployment, ensuring timely support for warfighters as JSTARS aircraft retire.

Another component of the Long Range Kill Chains program is the Auxiliary Payloads project, which also contributes to developing and fielding GMTI systems. This project emphasizes collaboration with partners such as the National Reconnaissance Office to optimize resources and expertise in achieving its objectives. The Auxiliary Payloads project aims to enhance data collection from space, integrating it into secure cloud environments to improve decision-making speed and accuracy.

The Long Range Kill Chains program represents a strategic shift towards leveraging space-based technologies for enhanced situational awareness and target engagement capabilities. By focusing on operational system development and utilizing partnerships across military branches and intelligence agencies, this program seeks to maintain technological superiority in rapidly evolving threat landscapes.