NC3 Integration

The NC3 Integration program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 0606018F, is an Air Force initiative focused on the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) systems. The primary goal of this program is to ensure the reliability, security, and effectiveness of the NC3 system of systems, which provides essential connectivity from the President and Secretary of Defense through the National Military Command System (NMCS) to nuclear execution forces worldwide. This connectivity is fundamental to the exercise of nuclear deterrence operations, a core Air Force function, and supports the President's authority over nuclear weapon operations.

The program is managed by the Air Force Nuclear Weapon Center NC3 Integration Directorate (AFNWC/NC), which is responsible for integrating legacy, current, and future NC3 capabilities into the Air Force's designated NC3 Weapon System (WS), AN/USQ-225. AFNWC/NC oversees system architecture, configuration management, state-of-health reporting, risk management, supply chain management, system test, verification, and certification. The directorate coordinates with Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), U.S. Strategic Command, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, and Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) to ensure that NC3 capabilities are fully integrated and aligned with broader Department of Defense (DoD) nuclear enterprise objectives.

The principal budget line within this program element supports modeling, simulation, and visualization of current and future NC3 capabilities. It also includes conducting capability gap analyses and predictive assessments, as well as developing modernization and recapitalization plans. The program supports health and mission worthiness assessments, expands frequency testbeds, verifies system components, and implements program and materiel management controls such as configuration, change, and risk management.

A major focus for upcoming fiscal years is the NC3 baseline integration of Minuteman III (MMIII) into the Sentinel Weapon System Program. This effort involves new equipment purchases and the transfer of MMIII NC3 equipment to the Sentinel system, supporting the transition to next-generation nuclear capabilities. The expanded scope of these integration activities addresses ongoing re-baseline efforts to ensure seamless operational capability and compliance with evolving mission requirements.

The program emphasizes the development and implementation of digital engineering methodologies, including digital models, acquisition processes, and integrated scheduling and cost controls. These efforts are designed to improve the ability to measure and report capability impacts, enhance system-of-system performance, and support advanced technology demonstrations in coordination with Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) and Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) initiatives. The program also supports the establishment of authoritative intelligence analysis for high-altitude electromagnetic pulse (HEMP) threats and the improvement of NC3 system interoperability.

Management services and test support are included as separate budget lines to provide engineering, acquisition, travel, supplies, and integration studies necessary for program execution. These activities are carried out through a combination of competitively awarded contracts, classified contracts, and sole source contracts, leveraging expertise from Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs), research laboratories, and industry Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) providers. This acquisition strategy ensures access to specialized technical skill sets and augments Air Force organic capabilities.