Threat Simulator Development

The Threat Simulator Development program is a key Air Force research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) management support initiative designed to enhance the Department of the Air Force's capabilities in electronic warfare (EW) and threat simulation. The overarching goal of this program is to provide comprehensive indoor and outdoor test facilities, modeling and simulation resources, and full-scale testing environments to support the Air Force EW Test Process. These resources are essential for testing EW systems, including Directed Energy (DE) weapons, and for managing risk throughout the acquisition process. The program ensures that the Air Force can conduct effective and efficient test and evaluation (T&E) activities, supporting the development and fielding of advanced EW capabilities.

Electronic Combat Intel Support focuses on Foreign Materiel Operational Test and Evaluation (FMOT&E). The objective of this line item is to enable operational commands to test and develop effective electronic attack (EA) and electronic protection (EP) techniques and tactics by leveraging foreign materiel. Funding supports the deployment of systems to test facilities, travel for personnel, range and laboratory costs, test consumables, instrumentation, and contracted engineering support. The program aims to prevent future aircraft losses by ensuring accurate aircrew tactics and training, particularly in response to missile threats. In FY 2026, the program will continue supporting fighter, bomber, mobility, and special operations aircraft testing, as well as classified operational assessments and reporting on system effectiveness.

Electronic Warfare Ground Test Resources is dedicated to the modernization and improvement of EW test facilities and infrastructure. The goal is to enhance the Air Force's ability to test and evaluate current and future weapon systems in realistic threat environments. This includes upgrades to threat system simulators, stimulators, emitters, and supporting infrastructure. Facilities such as the National Radar Cross Section Test Facility (NRTF), Guided Weapons Evaluation Facility (GWEF), Digital Integrated Air Defense System (DIADS), Benefield Anechoic Facility (BAF), and Joint Preflight Integration of Munitions and Electronic Systems (J-PRIMES) play critical roles in providing accurate measurements, simulations, and threat-representative environments. FY 2026 plans include executing advanced NAVWAR open-air testing, continuing infrared countermeasure modernization, and planning new threat simulators to support hypersonic weapon testing. The line also funds systems engineering and technical advisory (SETA) support to implement Air Force test processes and infrastructure improvements. It supports tri-service monitoring and analysis teams to identify emerging joint investment needs and requirements, and assists in managing and monitoring improvement and modernization program elements. The FY 2026 budget reflects a significant increase to support hypersonics, as well as adjustments for inflation and realignment of funds in response to Air Force priorities. These investments are intended to ensure the Air Force maintains state-of-the-art test capabilities for EW and DE systems.

Foreign Materiel Acquisition/Analysis supports the Department of the Air Force Foreign Materiel Program (FMP) by funding the acquisition and analysis of foreign materiel. This line item is critical for understanding and countering adversary systems, as it enables the Air Force and Space Force to cooperatively acquire and analyze foreign equipment prioritized annually by major commands and field units. The program provides assessments and data on threat systems to all Department of Defense components, supporting the development of effective countermeasures and tactics. FY 2026 funding will continue to support acquisition, analysis, and maintenance of specialized foreign materiel assets, with an increase driven by SECAF-directed realignment and inflation adjustments.

Each of these projects within the Threat Simulator Development program is justified by the need to sustain and modernize installations and operations required for general research, development, test, and evaluation. The program supports a broad spectrum of activities, from modeling and simulation to full-scale flight testing, and from foreign materiel exploitation to infrastructure modernization. By investing in these capabilities, the Air Force aims to maintain technological superiority in electronic warfare, ensure effective countermeasures against evolving threats, and support the acquisition and operational deployment of advanced weapon systems.