OSA-EA Modifications

The OSAEA0 - OSA-EA Modifications program is a consolidated Air Force budget line item supporting the modification of in-service Operational Support Airlift (OSA) and Executive Airlift (EA) aircraft. The primary objective of this line item is to enhance the capability, safety, and compliance of a diverse fleet that includes the C-12, C-21, C-32, C-37, C-40, VC-25A, VC-25B, and Combat Flight Inspection (CFIN) commercial derivative aircraft. These aircraft provide critical airlift support for senior national leadership, including the President, Vice President, Secretary of Defense, Joint Chiefs, cabinet members, combatant commanders, congressional delegations, and foreign dignitaries, as well as operational support for command and unit operations.

In FY 2026, the OSAEA0 line item consolidates funding previously distributed across several budget lines to increase funding flexibility and streamline management. The program is funded under Program Elements 0401314F and 0401319F. This consolidation supports the efficient execution of modifications and ensures that the Air Force can respond to emerging requirements across the OSA and EA fleets.

C-12 Low Cost Mods is a component of this line item, supporting the Electronic Flight Instruments System (EFIS) Low-Cost Modification. The goal of this effort is to upgrade avionics in the C-12 fleet to maintain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compliance, improve reliability, and extend the service life of these aircraft. The C-12 fleet is expected to remain in service for several more years, and these modifications are necessary to ensure continued safe and effective operation.

VC-25A Block Upgrade is another significant effort within OSAEA0. This modification focuses on integrating and installing the Multi-Role Tactical Common Data Link (MR-TCDL) and implementing new requirements for low latency worldwide data connectivity and increased aggregated throughput bandwidth. These upgrades are designed to enhance the VC-25A's ability to support presidential missions by providing redundant, global satellite communications with improved capacity and reduced latency. This supports secure and reliable communications for the President and senior leadership while airborne.

VC-25B Block Upgrade is a new start in FY 2026, beginning the first major activity of architecture integration design for the Mission Communication Systems. The objective is to rapidly acquire, integrate, modify, install, and test new airborne communications technologies for two VC-25B aircraft. These modifications will provide Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI), Secret, and Unclassified voice/data/video architecture enhancements, ensuring that national senior leaders have secure, survivable, and redundant communications capabilities for command and control functions while airborne. The program also addresses National Leadership Command Capability Senior Leader Communications Council actions and supports modernization to correct mission communication system failures and address capability gaps.

The OSAEA0 line item also supports emerging modification requirements, including program support costs, advisory and assistance services, support equipment, and other government costs. The program is structured to allow for non-recurring engineering and commercial-off-the-shelf integration, ensuring that modifications can be implemented efficiently and in alignment with evolving mission needs. Additionally, the FY 2026 request reflects a reduction for Advisory and Assistance Services, in accordance with Executive Order 14222, which aims to promote government efficiency and cost savings.