Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC)

The Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) program is a major Air Force initiative under Program Element 0604288F. The primary goal of the SAOC program is to replace the aging E-4B fleet, which currently serves as the National Airborne Operations Center, with a modernized, survivable, and enduring airborne command, control, and communications platform. This new capability is designed to provide the President, Secretary of Defense, and Joint Chiefs of Staff with a worldwide, resilient node of the National Military Command System (NMCS). It ensures continuity of operations and government during national emergencies or when ground-based command centers are compromised.

The SAOC weapon system comprises three main components: a Commercial Derivative Aircraft (CDA), an advanced mission system, and a suite of ground support systems. The CDA will be hardened to withstand nuclear and electromagnetic effects and modified for aerial refueling to enable extended airborne operations. The mission system will integrate secure communications and planning capabilities using a Modular Open System Approach (MOSA), leveraging modern IT infrastructure for flexibility and future upgrades. Ground support systems include aircrew and mission crew trainers, maintenance training devices, ground support equipment, and system integration laboratories, all designed to support SAOC operations, sustainment, and lifecycle modifications.

In FY 2026, the program's objectives focus on continuing Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) activities, including system engineering, trade studies, subsystem analysis, and preliminary design for the aircraft, mission system, and training/support systems. A significant portion of the budget is allocated to integrating Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) capabilities, cryptographic systems, and other mission-critical technologies to ensure the SAOC meets the requirements of the Air Force Nuclear Mission. The program also aims to refine and implement digital program initiatives, enhance infrastructure and tools, and ramp up program office staffing to support ongoing development and sustainment efforts.

Test and Evaluation (T&E) is a key objective for FY 2026, with activities including procurement of test equipment, training, facility modifications, and early functional testing at the component and Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) levels. The development of the T&E System Integration Laboratory (SIL) is also planned, supporting the validation and verification of SAOC systems prior to full-rate production. These efforts are intended to ensure that the SAOC meets all operational requirements and is ready for deployment as a critical national security asset.

The program also includes funding for management services, such as support from Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS), and Program Management Administration (PMA). These services are essential for program oversight, security, facilities management, prototyping, and ensuring compliance with acquisition and sustainment strategies. Civilian pay expenses are covered to maintain the necessary workforce for program execution, supplementing other Air Force budget elements dedicated to personnel.

The specific project line within the SAOC program encompasses all product development, direct mission support, test and evaluation, and management services. The prime EMD contract, awarded to Sierra Nevada Corporation, covers aircraft procurement, modification, mission system integration, ground support systems, and interim contractor support. Additional contracts support mission system and subsystem development, direct mission support, and T&E activities, with award dates scheduled throughout FY 2026. The acquisition strategy, approved by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, emphasizes competitive development with options for production and contractor support, ensuring cost-effectiveness and timely delivery.

Other related budget lines include the Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T), the Information Systems Security Program, and SAOC Military Construction (MILCON). These programs provide complementary capabilities, such as secure communications terminals and facility upgrades, necessary for the full operational deployment of the SAOC. The objective of the SAOC program is to deliver a survivable, modern airborne operations center that meets validated requirements for national command and control, nuclear operations, and continuity of government, with a focus on sustainability, affordability, and future adaptability.