Networked Communications Capabilities

The Networked Communications Capability (NCC) program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is a research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing strategic and Joint Force communications for the Department of Defense (DoD). The primary goal of NCC is to mature and demonstrate technologies that enable interoperable, resilient, and adaptable command, control, and communications (C3) infrastructure across the DoD and its Defense Industrial Base partners. This program is essential for maintaining mission-critical communications in terrestrial, maritime, air, space, and cyberspace domains, especially in degraded, contested, or denied environments.

A key objective of NCC is to address the limitations of legacy C3 systems, which often rely on system-centric rather than network- and data-centric designs. The program seeks to integrate both DoD and commercial embedded, virtualized, and cloud-hosted hybrid systems and networks. By employing secure, rapidly reconfigurable software-defined and hardware-supported solutions across all layers of the communications stack including physical, network, information, and application NCC aims to establish a highly agile and resilient infrastructure. This approach is designed to ensure the DoD can rapidly reconfigure and reconstitute its communications capabilities in response to evolving threats and operational requirements.

The NCC builds upon previous advancements in Software Defined Radios and Software Defined Network protocols. It leverages adaptive methods to dynamically analyze operational environments, enabling the use of tunable waveforms and switching between high-data-rate, low-probability-of-detection techniques. This ensures that information is routed efficiently and securely to the right users, supporting the diverse needs of warfighting missions. Where feasible, the program incorporates commercially available software and hardware to accelerate technology adoption and reduce costs.

Networked Communications Analysis is the principal line item under NCC, with specific goals to guide the Services, partners, and industry toward fully networked, integrated, and secure communications capabilities. The project focuses on identifying and accelerating critical technologies for transition to both strategic and tactical forces. It emphasizes the need for trusted, accessible, and reliable C3 systems that enhance the lethality and effectiveness of the warfighting force, particularly in the face of advanced kinetic and non-kinetic threats from peer adversaries.

A major component of the NCC effort is the NC3 Tech Accelerator, which addresses modern nuclear threats that shorten U.S. decision-making timelines and threaten Presidential nuclear command and control. The Tech Accelerator provides technical leadership, establishes strategic priorities, and oversees all related programs and activities across the DoD. It supports the rapid identification and incorporation of minimum viable standards for automatic transport maneuverability, enabling ubiquitous communication, and champions RDT&E efforts for promising prototype initiatives from both CSA labs and industry partners.

Planned activities for FY 2025 and FY 2026 include continued funding for critical technology research and development portfolio analysis, accelerated NC3 technology research, and support for experimentation and coalition demonstrations. The program works closely with Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, Services, and Agencies to identify standards and rapidly incorporate necessary technology changes. These efforts are intended to accelerate the fielding of NC3 technologies and ensure enduring interoperability, resiliency, and capability advancement for U.S. and Allied warfighters.

The NCC acquisition strategy emphasizes collaboration with DoD Services and Agencies to integrate advanced SDR and SDN technologies into existing communications infrastructure at both tactical and strategic levels. By focusing on interoperable, resilient, and capable C3 infrastructure, the program aims to modernize the Joint Force in an affordable manner while addressing current and future threats to DoD operations. The NCC program is expected to continue evolving as new technologies and requirements emerge, ensuring the DoD maintains a technological edge in networked communications.