USSTRATCOM

The USSTRATCOM line item (835160) in the Air Force's FY2026 Other Procurement budget supports the lifecycle management of Nuclear Command and Control (NC2) systems at U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) Headquarters, remote locations, and associated platforms. The primary objective of this program is to ensure the reliability, security, and operational effectiveness of NC2 systems, which are essential for the command and control of the nation's strategic nuclear forces. This funding is critical for maintaining assured communications and decision-making capabilities in support of national defense priorities.

The program's specific goals focus on the procurement and sustainment of Command, Control, Communication, and Computers (C4) equipment tailored to USSTRATCOM's unique mission requirements. The C4 systems are designed to provide robust, secure, and resilient communications infrastructure, enabling timely and accurate transmission of orders and information between national leadership and strategic forces.

Lifecycle management activities include hardware refresh, system upgrades, and replacement of obsolete components to maintain operational readiness and compliance with evolving security standards. The principal focus is the procurement and sustainment of C4 hardware and related systems. Funding supports recurring costs associated with NC2 lifecycle management, including acquisition, installation, and integration of new equipment.

Contractors are selected through competitive requisition processes managed by Air Combat Command (ACC), with delivery schedules aligned to ensure continuity of operations and minimal disruption to mission-critical activities. The justification for this investment is rooted in the need to preserve the integrity and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear command and control architecture. USSTRATCOM's mission demands continuous modernization to counter emerging threats, address vulnerabilities, and adapt to technological advancements.

The C4 systems funded under this line item are essential for maintaining secure, redundant, and survivable communications channels, which are foundational to strategic deterrence and crisis response capabilities. Procurement planning for the NC2 lifecycle involves annual acquisitions of hardware units, with each fiscal year's funding supporting the delivery and integration of one major system upgrade or replacement.

The production schedule reflects a steady cadence, with contract awards typically occurring in March and deliveries completed by the following year. This approach ensures that USSTRATCOM's NC2 systems remain current and capable of supporting both peacetime and contingency operations. All activities under this line item are classified and managed with strict security protocols, given the sensitive nature of nuclear command and control systems.

Detailed technical specifications and operational information are available only on a need-to-know basis to protect national security interests. The program is not designated as a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) or Major Automated Information System (MAIS), but it is closely coordinated with related Air Force and Department of Defense initiatives to ensure interoperability and compliance with overarching strategic objectives.