Other Production Charges

The Other Production Charges program within the Air Force's Aircraft Procurement appropriation is designed to fund a diverse set of production and activation efforts that do not fit within other specific procurement line items. This line item supports requirements managed as separate end items, including certain classified programs, alternate mission equipment for out-of-production systems, and specialized support for depot activation and modernization.

The program's objective is to ensure operational readiness and sustainment for a wide range of Air Force platforms and capabilities. Funding supports efforts such as depot activation, modernization, and transition to organic repair capabilities for various systems.

High Frequency Radio Systems funding supports procurement of test equipment and program support costs necessary for depot activation and sustainment of advanced radio systems. These efforts enable reliable long-range communications and ensure that organic repair capabilities are established for the AN/ARC-260 High Frequency Radio, aligning with Air Force Materiel Command directives for transitioning from contractor to government depot repair. The investment covers technical data, support equipment, and training required for effective maintenance and operational support.

B-2 Squadrons receive funding for depot activation and modernization of Special Test Equipment. The goal is to transition legacy and modified B-2 components to organic depot repair, reducing reliance on contractor support and modernizing obsolete government-furnished property. This supports the Source of Repair Assignment process and ensures that B-2 avionics and mechanical components can be repaired in-house, enhancing long-term sustainment and cost efficiency for this strategic bomber fleet.

Advanced Program Evaluation includes funding for classified programs reported under Title 10, United States Code, Section 119(a)(1). These efforts focus on advanced capabilities and technologies that are essential for maintaining national security and technological superiority. The objectives are to develop, procure, and sustain systems that may not be publicly detailed due to their sensitive nature, but they are integral to the Air Force's mission and future operational requirements.

Combat Training Range Equipment funding addresses capability gaps in air combat training by upgrading and sustaining the P5 and P6 Combat Training Systems. These systems provide realistic air-to-air and air-to-ground training environments, incorporating trusted operating systems, multi-level security architectures, and advanced encryption. The investment supports procurement of participant subsystems, spares, installation, training, and program office support, ensuring that aircrews receive comprehensive, realistic training to maintain combat readiness.

Electromagnetic Warfare Integrated Reprogramming funding procures equipment and system components to enable critical reprogramming of electromagnetic warfare systems for both Air Force and Foreign Military Sales customers. The Electronic Warfare Avionics Integration Support Facility develops and maintains advanced sensors to simulate and emulate emerging threats, supporting complete electronic warfare weapon system testing and enhancing the Air Force's ability to adapt to evolving electronic warfare environments.

Additional line items within Other Production Charges include depot activation for F-15E, F-15EX, F-16, and T-7A squadrons, procurement of aerial targets and electronic attack pods, and the U.S. contribution to NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control modernization projects. These efforts address specific operational, sustainment, and modernization needs, such as transitioning to organic repair capabilities, upgrading identification friend-or-foe systems, and supporting international interoperability. These objectives help ensure the Air Force maintains a robust, flexible, and technologically advanced force capable of meeting current and future mission requirements.