Tactical C-E Equipment

The LI 837100 - Tactical C-E Equipment line item in the Department of the Air Force's FY 2026 budget request supports the procurement and modernization of tactical command, control, and communications-electronics (C-E) systems. The overarching objective of this line item is to ensure that Air Force and joint forces maintain secure, resilient, and interoperable communications capabilities across a range of operational environments, including expeditionary, homeland defense, and contingency missions. This line item funds multiple program elements, each targeting specific operational requirements and technology gaps in tactical communications and control systems.

The Tactical Airborne Control System Equipment (TACS) initiative focuses on providing high-fidelity, Distributed Mission Operations (DMO)-capable simulators for Special Warfare Airmen, such as Tactical Air Control Party, Combat Control Team, Joint Terminal Attack Controller, and Air Support Operations Center personnel. The primary goal is to deliver advanced training and mission rehearsal capabilities that cannot be met solely through live-fly aircraft, ensuring JTACs and Special Tactics personnel meet U.S. and partner nation certification standards. Funding supports procurement of additional training devices, fielding of new capabilities including Digitally Aided Close Air Support with Link 16 and addressing emerging Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages issues.

The Theater-Deployable Communications (TDC) Program is designed to extend secure and non-secure network, voice, and video services to expeditionary and battlefield forces. TDC provides rapidly deployable communication infrastructure, supporting both large base operations and smaller, mobile units. Funding will procure Agile Communications Packages, Satellite Communications terminals, Integrated Communications Access Packages, and Network Control Center-Deployed components. These investments address end-of-life equipment, DMS issues, and compliance with evolving security and cryptographic standards, ensuring continued operational capability for both combat and humanitarian missions.

Advanced Communications Systems under this line item include procurement and support for Mobile User Objective System and Second-Generation Anti-Jam Tactical Ultra High Frequency Radio for NATO software for tactical radios. These systems provide secure, anti-jam voice, data, and video communications for air, ground, and sea forces. Funds are allocated for training events and help desk support, ensuring that Air Force personnel can effectively operate and maintain these advanced communication tools in contested environments.

Tactical Air Control Party-Modernization aims to equip TACP units with interoperable, survivable, and effective command, control, and communications capabilities. The program's objectives include developing equipment for electromagnetic spectrum operations, integrating advanced sensors and targeting devices, and procuring high-capacity beyond line-of-sight communications. Funding supports modernization of Air Support Operations Center and Tactical Operations Center systems, vehicle-mounted and dismounted systems, JADC2 software, and tactical laser communications, as well as procurement of radios, GPS, and targeting equipment. The program also emphasizes joint development and procurement with other Special Warfare programs to standardize equipment and reduce costs.

Special Tactics / Combat Control provides Special Tactics operators with advanced C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) capabilities. The program supports missions such as global access, precision strike, personnel recovery, and electromagnetic spectrum operations. Funding will procure visual augmentation systems, laser target designators, high-frequency and multi-band antennas, satellite communications, encrypted radios, field computing devices, and small unmanned systems. The program also supports Tactical Command and Control enhancements, ensuring that Combat Control Teams and other Special Warfare elements can operate effectively in complex and contested environments.