NATO Research and Development

The NATO Research and Development program, outlined in Program Element (PE) 0603790F, is a key Air Force initiative under the Advanced Component Development & Prototypes (ACD&P) budget activity. Its primary objective is to support international cooperative research and development (ICR&D) agreements with NATO member states, major non-NATO allies, and other friendly foreign nations. These agreements are designed to enhance U.S. and allied conventional defense capabilities by leveraging advanced technologies, promoting interoperability, and accelerating the deployment of defense systems. The program is authorized under Title 10 U.S. Code, Section 2350a, which mandates that each project must have a concluded international agreement before funds are released.

The International Cooperative Research and Development line item funds bilateral and multilateral agreements that align with Department of the Air Force (DAF) research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) objectives. Projects must meet at least two criteria, such as enhancing warfighter capabilities, increasing coalition interoperability, accelerating defense system availability, strengthening partnerships, accessing advanced technologies or facilities, and eliminating redundant R&D efforts. The program does not fund government civilian salaries, permanent construction, or overseas expenditures, ensuring that resources are focused on technology development and testing.

In FY 2025, the program is executing ICR&D projects in areas including artificial intelligence, positioning, navigation, and timing, non-chrome engine coatings, unmanned aerial vehicles, collision avoidance, counter-agile radar, small scalable kinetic weapons, fabrication, 3D printing, mission resilience, wearable sensors, deep space radars, and compact high-power microwave technologies. These projects are conducted through cooperative agreements with countries such as Australia, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The selection of these focus areas reflects current operational needs and technological opportunities for coalition forces.

For FY 2026, the program plans to continue and initiate new ICR&D projects targeting quantum, photonic, and electromagnetic enabling technologies, system performance enhancements, materials for extreme environments, collaborative combat aircraft, secure and resilient tactical communications, prediction of weapons effects, green propulsion and power, space-based solar power, radio frequency interference mitigation, satellite continuity, corrosion prevention materials, synthetic biology, cognitive modeling, and accelerated combined effects simulation. Cooperative agreements in these domains will involve Australia, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Singapore, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. This demonstrates a broad and strategic international engagement.

The Acquisition Strategy for the NATO Cooperative R&D program emphasizes effective utilization of U.S. and allied resources through cost sharing and economies of scale. Candidate projects are reviewed against DAF and DoD objectives and warfighter needs. Each project must have a formal international agreement that defines objectives, responsibilities, and cost-sharing arrangements. Approved projects require matching funds from the project office and allied partners, ensuring equal financial commitment and fostering deeper collaboration. Additional funding needs beyond the program are the responsibility of the respective project office.

The program's schedule for FY 2026 includes a structured process: issuing a call letter, initial proposal review, technical planning discussions, project selection panel, international agreement negotiations, and commencement of cooperative project work. This process ensures that projects are thoroughly vetted and aligned with strategic goals before implementation. The increase in funding from FY 2025 to FY 2026 reflects a greater emphasis on developing advanced warfighter capabilities and space-based technologies, responding to evolving defense priorities.