NC3 Advanced Concepts

The NC3 Advanced Concepts program is a research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative managed by the Air Force under Program Element 0604001F. Its primary goal is to advance the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) Weapon System (WS) by analyzing, developing, and prototyping next-generation NC3 systems and subsystems. This program is designed to ensure a responsive engineering infrastructure that can adapt to evolving Nuclear Deterrence Operations (NDO) mission requirements, address emerging technological challenges, and support technology insertion for future strategic capabilities.

The objectives of the NC3 Advanced Concepts program include conducting comprehensive studies, analysis, and prototyping activities to inform the modernization of the Air Force NC3 Weapon System (AN/USQ-225). The program supports technology maturation and risk reduction efforts, which are essential for improving system performance, mitigating evolving threats, and ensuring the long-term viability and durability of the NC3 infrastructure. These activities are intended to reduce life cycle costs and provide enhanced multi-use capabilities for strategic operations.

In fiscal years 2025 and 2026, the program plans to execute a range of activities such as test bed operations, exercise participation, and the development of modeling and simulation tools for the NC3 WS architecture. Integrated testing, validation, and certification of NC3 components are also key objectives, along with direct mission support contracts for next-generation NC3 systems and subsystems. The program is structured to rapidly respond to changing warfighter priorities and requirements, ensuring that NC3 capabilities remain relevant and effective.

A significant focus of the program is on risk reduction and early development of emerging technologies, including radio enhancements, antenna improvements, alternative communication paths, cyber resiliency, network communications services, and hardware upgrades. These efforts are aimed at informing evolving NC3 requirements and providing viable prototypes for testing and demonstration.

The program also supports the modernization of related initiatives such as the Sentinel program, the Global Aircrew Strategic Network Terminal (GASNT) Increment 2, Blocks 2 and 3, and the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC). The NC3 Advanced Concepts line item includes funding for High Frequency (HF) engineering analysis and the establishment of experimental infrastructure to reduce technical risk and accelerate schedules for potential future programs of record.

These activities are intended to support the transition of promising technologies into operational NC3 systems, enhancing the overall resilience and effectiveness of nuclear command and control capabilities. Details of certain technical efforts within the program are available at higher classification levels due to their sensitive nature.

The acquisition strategy for NC3 Advanced Concepts leverages a combination of competitively awarded contracts, sole source contracts, and other transaction authorities. The Air Force augments its organic capabilities with technical expertise from Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), research laboratories, University-Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), and industry Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) providers. All activities are evaluated for their potential to transition into the Air Force NC3 Weapon System, ensuring alignment with broader modernization goals.

Budget adjustments for this program reflect congressional reductions, program re-baselining, and targeted increases to support expanded advanced concept efforts. The FY 2026 budget increase specifically funds additional work in radio and antenna enhancements, alternative communication paths, cyber resiliency, network services, and hardware improvements. The program is categorized under Budget Activity 4 (Advanced Component Development and Prototypes), as it focuses on evaluating integrated technologies and prototype systems in realistic operating environments. Civilian pay expenses required to manage and deliver weapon system capability may also be included as necessary.