Mobility Equipment

The Mobility Equipment program, as outlined in Line Item 845420 of the Air Force's FY 2026 budget request, is a procurement-focused initiative designed to support the rapid deployment and sustainment of Air Force forces at forward operating locations. The primary objective is to acquire and maintain Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources (BEAR) prepositioned stocks, which are essential for establishing and operating airbases in contingency environments. This program ensures compliance with Title 10 USC 2229, which mandates strategic policy on prepositioning of materiel and equipment. It also supports the Air Force's Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

BEAR Capability Packages are central to this program and are composed of modular, scalable unit type codes (UTCs) that provide comprehensive support for personnel, aircraft, and mission-essential operations. These packages include systems for feeding, hygiene, water purification, power production, airfield and base lighting, shelters, mobile aircraft arresting systems, and environmental support. The goal is to enable rapid establishment ( Establish the Base ) and continued operation ( Operate the Base ) of airfields under a wide range of conditions, including contested logistics environments.

Power Production and Distribution is a critical component, with procurement of BEAR Power Units (BPUs) as the primary power source for deployed locations. The program also funds secondary distribution equipment, such as Secondary Distribution Centers (SDCs), Primary Distribution Panels (PDPs), cable reel pallet assemblies, and switching units. These elements ensure reliable power delivery to billeting, feeding, flightline, and industrial operations, supporting both initial and sustained base operations.

Expeditionary Lighting and Airfield Systems are addressed through the acquisition of the Expeditionary Airfield Lighting System (EALS), which includes runway lighting, approach path indicators, and associated power and control systems. The EALS is designed for rapid deployment and will be replaced by a next-generation system in future years. The program also funds Remote Area Lighting Systems (RALS) for base lighting and Mobile Aircraft Arresting Systems (MAAS), which are essential for safe recovery of fighter aircraft at contingency airfields.

Life Support and Environmental Systems are procured to ensure deployed personnel have access to adequate hygiene, feeding, shelter, and climate control. This includes shower, shave, and latrine units, self-help laundry systems, deployable kitchens capable of serving large numbers of meals per cycle, and various shelter types for maintenance, billeting, and storage. Environmental control is provided by HVAC units and heaters, ensuring thermal comfort and air quality in diverse climates.

Water Production and Distribution is another major objective, with funding allocated for Force Module Water Systems that convert non-potable water into potable supplies using modular, scalable components. This includes source runs, reverse osmosis water purification units (ROWPU), supply distribution systems, pumping units, and grey water recovery systems. These capabilities are vital for supporting both initial deployment and ongoing operations in austere environments.

The Mobility Equipment program also supports training and sustainment through the provision of multimedia training packages for BEAR facilities at Silver Flag Sites, Regional Training Sites, technical schools, and other locations. Funding covers inventory reconstitution, spares, consumables, repairs, and upgrades or full UTC replacements. The program is managed by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC/WN - Agile Combat Systems) and leverages contracts with multiple vendors across the United States. The FY 2026 request includes targeted investments supporting the Pacific Deterrence Initiative and disaster response, aligning with both National Defense Strategy objectives and ongoing modernization efforts.