Strategic Command And Control

The Strategic Command and Control line item (LI 833140) in the Air Force's FY 2026 budget supports a range of programs designed to ensure robust, secure, and resilient command and control (C2) capabilities for strategic and tactical operations. The overarching goal of this line item is to modernize and sustain the Air Force's ability to communicate, direct, and manage forces across multiple domains, including nuclear, air, space, and cyber operations. The funding covers procurement of hardware, software, communications infrastructure, and technology refreshes, addressing both current operational needs and future capability requirements.

This line item includes efforts to sustain and enhance the B-2 bomber's operational capabilities through the procurement of updated software and C2 equipment. Funding is allocated to replace obsolete computer hardware, backbone infrastructure, and software at the Weapon System Support Center Ground Test Facility at Tinker AFB, as well as at contractor laboratories. The objectives include supporting aircraft software development, maintenance, and systems engineering, with a particular emphasis on flight controls, navigation, weapons, and defensive management systems. The program also addresses unique security and communication needs for the B-2 fleet, ensuring continued mission readiness and survivability.

Another program supports the procurement and sustainment of critical communications systems used for the command and control of nuclear forces. Key systems funded include the Strategic Automated Command and Control System, Phoenix Air-to-Ground Communication Network, and Defense Injection Reception EAM C2 Terminals. Funds are directed toward procuring new ground entry points, initial spares, and repair parts, as well as addressing Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages. These investments are essential for maintaining the secure dissemination of Emergency Action Messages and ensuring the survivability and reliability of nuclear command, control, and communications infrastructure.

The Joint All Domain Command & Control (JADC2) program is central to the Air Force's efforts to develop and integrate advanced battle management and C2 capabilities across all domains. Procurement supports the Advanced Battle Management System Battle Lab, which provides a testbed for experimentation, innovation, and tactics development. Objectives include establishing secure experimentation environments at different classification levels, acquiring dynamic mission replanning and instrumentation hardware/software, and upgrading networking equipment for classified operations. The program also supports the United States Air Forces Europe and Africa C2 architecture, including procurement of communication nodes and a sensor fusion and processing system to enhance air domain awareness and theater-wide C2 capability.

The All Domain Common Platform (ADCP) is an extensible, cloud-based infrastructure designed to host and deliver resilient C2 mission applications and data to Airmen worldwide. Funding is used for technology refresh kits to replace end-of-life hardware components at key operational sites, as well as for procurement of networking and compute/storage equipment to support distributed and disconnected operations. The ADCP serves as the primary platform for modernized C2 software systems, supporting a variety of customers including Air Operations Centers, intelligence programs, and spectrum warfare groups. This investment ensures continued operational capability and supports the migration to a fully cloud-based infrastructure.

The Strategic Command and Control line item is justified by the need to maintain and modernize critical C2 systems that underpin the Air Force's ability to execute its missions, particularly in contested and high-threat environments. The programs funded under this line item address both legacy system sustainment and the integration of emerging technologies, ensuring that the Air Force remains agile and resilient in the face of evolving operational challenges. The investments also align with joint requirements and directives, such as those from the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, and support interoperability with partner agencies and allied forces.