Wide Area Surveillance (WAS)

The Wide Area Surveillance (WAS) program is a key Air Force initiative under budget line item 834240, focused on enhancing homeland defense through advanced sensor technologies. The primary goal of WAS is to provide North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) with robust surveillance capabilities for the National Capital Region (NCR). The program achieves this by deploying and sustaining two advanced sensor systems: the Stateside Affordable Radar System (STARS) and Scorpion. These systems are designed to detect and track low, slow, and asymmetrical airborne threats, addressing the need for affordable, effective sensors capable of operating in complex environments.

The STARS and Scorpion sensor systems are integrated into the Battle Control Systems-Fixed (BCS-F), which serves as the air surveillance command and control (C2) system of record for NORAD/USNORTHCOM. The objective is to ensure that sensor data from WAS are seamlessly incorporated into the broader air defense picture, enabling rapid response to emerging threats. The program's acquisition strategy emphasizes full capability production and fielding of these advanced sensors, with a focus on sustainability and affordability for long-term homeland defense missions.

In Fiscal Year 2026, the Air Force plans to award production contracts for both the STARS and Scorpion systems, along with executing a technical refresh of fielded sites. This refresh is necessary to replace sensor components that are reaching end-of-life, ensuring continued operational effectiveness. FY26 activities also include procurement of replenishment spares and repair parts, which are critical for maintaining system readiness and minimizing downtime. The budget request for FY26 reflects an increase to support these technology refresh efforts, as well as to address emerging sensor capabilities and system infrastructure upgrades.

A significant objective for FY26 is the modernization of system infrastructure, including the establishment of a system integrated laboratory and centralized data processing capabilities for system health and monitoring. These upgrades are intended to support ongoing operations for NORAD/USNORTHCOM and to facilitate the integration of new and emerging sensor technologies. Additionally, the program will procure end items and spares that do not qualify for Centralized Asset Management (CAM) funding, ensuring that all necessary components are available to support mission requirements.

The WAS program also allocates funding for program and direct mission support, which encompasses management, engineering, cost, and technical support for the program office. This support is essential for addressing potential issues related to diminishing manufacturing sources, material shortages, and obsolescence. The program also funds recapitalization efforts and the procurement of key site components that require significant lead times, ensuring the long-term viability of the WAS capability.

To promote efficiency and align with government-wide cost-saving initiatives, the FY26 request was reduced for Advisory and Assistance Services, in accordance with Executive Order 14222. This adjustment supports Administration policies on government efficiency and cost effectiveness. Some aspects of the WAS program remain classified, with additional details provided on a need-to-know basis to protect operational security.