Mission Planning Systems

The Mission Planning Systems (MPS) line item (LI 833170) in the Air Force's FY2026 budget request is designed to procure and sustain mission planning hardware and associated support for U.S. Air Force flying units. The primary goal of this program is to equip Active Duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve units with the necessary hardware and software to conduct effective mission planning and integrate seamlessly with aircraft data transfer device systems.

The program supports a wide range of aircraft across Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command, Air Force Global Strike Command, and Air Education and Training Command, including platforms such as the F-15, F-16, F-22, F-35, C-17, C-130, B-52, and others.

The objectives of the MPS Hardware subprogram are to provide commercial-based computing devices such as desktops, laptops, tablets, printers, servers, storage devices, displays, and peripherals along with software licenses and support services. These assets enable aircrews to electronically receive and manage mission information, including tasking orders, intelligence data, target coordinates, maps, and imagery. The hardware is designed to be portable, tailorable, and network-capable, supporting integration with mission planning software and interoperability with C4I systems.

The program emphasizes modernization, leveraging advances in technology to deliver high-end computing power in compact, mission-oriented devices. It follows a four-year lifecycle replacement schedule to address Diminishing Manufacturing Source (DMS) issues.

The Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS) component of the program focuses on enabling precision airdrop capabilities for logistical resupply and delivery of diverse payloads, including both kinetic and non-kinetic effects. JPADS is primarily used by mobility aircraft such as the C-17 and C-130 for high and low-altitude airdrops. The program's goals include improving operational efficiency, survivability, and lethality by ensuring accurate delivery of supplies and equipment to forces in the field, even from altitudes that mitigate surface-to-air threats.

Key hardware objectives for JPADS include the procurement of Antenna Control Units (ACUs), Ultra High Frequency Receivers (UHFs), Modular Air Guidance Units (MAGUs), and dropsondes. These components are essential for guidance, communication, and real-time weather data collection, which together enable precise airdrop operations. The FY2026 request includes funding to replace outdated Block 3.0 systems with Block 4.1 systems, maintaining compliance with DoD standards and addressing parts obsolescence. AMC requires new JPADS systems and subsystems by FY2028 to ensure continued mission readiness.

Additional objectives for the JPADS program include supporting software enhancements to the Consolidated Airdrop Tool (CAT), a joint effort with the Army, USMC, and other agencies, to improve accuracy and adaptability for various operational scenarios. The program also funds prototyping, testing, evaluation, demonstrations, technical support, equipment storage, hardware warranties, and technical refreshes to address DMSMS (Diminishing Manufacturing Source and Material Shortage) issues. These efforts ensure the JPADS hardware remains reliable, repairable, and compliant with Military Standard (MIL-STD)-810H, MIL-STD-704F, and Air Force Materiel Command Instruction (AFMCI) 63-1201.

The Program Support Costs line funds program office, engineering, and contractor support necessary for the successful execution of both MPS and JPADS procurement activities. This includes systems engineering, logistical support, and advisory services. The FY2026 request reflects a reduction for Advisory and Assistance Services in alignment with Executive Order 14222, which promotes government efficiency and cost savings. The funding also supports solutions for potential DMS and obsolescence issues, such as life-of-type or bridge buys, limited to the program of record quantity.