Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network (MEECN)

Mission — Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network (MEECN) source

Nuclear Deterrence Operations (NDO) is an Air Force Core Function. Within this core function, Nuclear Command and Control (NC2) is the exercise of authority and direction by the President, as Commander in Chief, through established command lines, over nuclear weapon operations of military forces. The President's authority and direction are exercised through the Nuclear Command and Control System (NCCS). The NCCS is the designated combination of flexible and enduring elements including facilities, equipment, communications, procedures, personnel, and the structure in which these elements are integrated, all of which are essential for planning, directing, and controlling nuclear weapon operations. The Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network (MEECN) portfolio modernizes the systems necessary to effectively provide assured communications connectivity between the President and the strategic deterrence forces in stressed environments. MEECN System Improvements (MSI) is a long-range planning effort with users (Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), Air Combat Command (ACC), United States Space Force (USSF), Air Mobility Command (AMC), Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), and the US Navy (USN)) to monitor and assess the performance of existing NC3 systems and develop recommendations for strategic and tactical architecture upgrades, requirements, and issues based on available and emerging technologies. MSI is used to conduct technology testing; model performance; analyze technology strategies; conduct requirement trade space analysis, technology maturation and risk reduction efforts, and mission analysis; and build technology roadmaps as proactive support to the NC3 community. MSI performs analysis, integration, and testing activities for the NC3 Weapon System. This project may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2024 0.00M is budgeted for civilian pay expenses in this project, and in FY 2025 0.00M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this project. The Common Very Low Frequency/Low Frequency (VLF/LF) Receiver (CVR) Increment 2 (CVRi2) Program will develop and produce a modular open systems approach (MOSA), Cryptographic Modernization 2.0 (CM 2), New VLF Waveform compliant advanced VLF/LF receiver for all ground and airborne NC3 platforms. As the USAF VLF receiver integrator, the VLF Enterprise Program Office (VLF EPO) will continue to be responsible for VLF sustainment to include configuration management of the CVR Increment 1 (CVRi1) materiel solution while also providing management support to the B-52 VLF Modernization Program for its procurement and production of the directed VLF receiver. The VLF EPO will provide the same management and engineering support to other legacy NC3 platforms' VLF receiver requirements. The VLF EPO will also develop an acquisition strategy for adaptation of CVRi2 for the current and future NC3 platforms, while establishing an overarching contract to capture both development and production of CVRi2 for multiple NC3 platforms, which will enable enterprise level management of the VLF receivers for the current and future USAF airborne and ground-based NC3 platforms. This project may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2024 0.00M is budgeted for civilian pay expenses in this project, and in FY 2025 0.559M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this project. The Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals - Force Element Terminal (FAB-T FET) program replaces the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Milstar terminals and provides secure, protected, and survivable communications for the strategic warfighter through airborne-based Military Satellite Communication (MILSATCOM) terminals. The FAB-T FET will provide worldwide nuclear and non-nuclear, survivable, anti-jam Low Probability of Detect (LPD)/ Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) data and voice communications. The FAB-T FET will be interoperable with Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF), Enhanced Polar Systems - Recapitalization (EPS-R), and Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) satellite constellations and will be installed on the B-52 aircraft (threshold). FAB-T FET was designated as a Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) in February 2019. The FAB-T FET program transitioned from AFPEO/SP to AFPEO/NC3 effective December 2018. FAB-T FET is planned to transition to the Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) Pathway at the conclusion of MTA. The FY 2026 cost of Middle Tier of Acquisition effort FAB-T FET is reflected in the budget request, including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. The Department will certify Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) funding in a future budget submission. This project may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program's funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. The Global Aircrew Strategic Network Terminal (Global ASNT) program replaces antiquated, unsustainable strategic communications equipment at bomber, tanker and reconnaissance Wing Command Posts (WCPs), Nuclear Task Forces and Munitions Support Squadrons (MUNSS) and for Mobile Support Teams (MSTs). Global ASNT is a ground-based system that will provide survivable, secure communication paths to receive Emergency Action Messages (EAMs), Force Management messages, and Force Direction messages and disseminate them to bomber, tanker, and reconnaissance aircrews. Global ASNT is being fielded in separate capability increments. Global ASNT Increment 1 (Inc 1) fields required Extremely High Frequency/Advanced Extremely High Frequency (EHF/AEHF) capabilities and replaces antiquated, unsustainable strategic mobile and fixed-site Single Channel Anti-jam Man-Portable (SCAMP) terminals and Secure, Mobile, Anti-Jam, Reliable, Tactical - Terminal (SMART-T) equipment. FY 2019 was the last year of RDT&E funding for Global ASNT Inc 1; development is complete, full rate production is in process, and fielding of terminals commenced in 2QFY22. Global ASNT Increment 2 (Inc 2) Block 1 delivers a replacement Aircrew Alerting System (AAS) consisting of personal and general area alerting as well as Ultra High Frequency (UHF) line of sight (LOS) voice communications to bomber, tanker, and reconnaissance aircraft. Increment 2 replaces aging legacy Electromagnetic Pulse Hardened Dispersal Communication (EHDC) and Aircrew Alerting Communications Electromagnetic Pulse (AACE) systems. Global ASNT Inc 2 Block 1, the FY 2026 cost of Middle Tier of Acquisition effort is reflected in the budget request, including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. The Department will certify Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) funding in a future budget submission. Global ASNT Increment 2 (Inc 2) Block 2 delivers High Frequency (HF) Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications to bomber and tanker aircraft. The FY 2026 request was reduced by [0.001] million for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and advance the policies of the Administration in alignment with Executive Order 14222, Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative. This project may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2024 0.00M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this project, and in FY 2025 0.00M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this project. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Mission — MEECN System Improvements source

MSI is a long-range planning effort with users [Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), Air Combat Command (ACC), United States Space Force (USSF), Air Mobility Command (AMC), Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), and the US Navy] to monitor and assess the performance of existing NC3 systems and develop recommendations for strategic and tactical architecture upgrades, requirements, and issues based on available and emerging technologies. MSI is used to conduct technology testing; model performance; analyze technology strategies; conduct requirement trade space analyses, technology maturation and risk reduction efforts, mission analysis; and build technology Roadmaps as proactive support to the NC3 community. MSI performs analysis, integration, and testing activities for the NC3 Weapon System. This project may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2024 0.00M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this project, and in FY 2025 0.00M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this project.

Mission — Common VLF/LF Receiver Inc 2 source

The Common Very Low Frequency/Low Frequency (VLF/LF) Receiver (CVR) Increment 2 (CVRi2) Program will develop and produce a modular open systems approach (MOSA), Cryptographic Modernization 2.0 (CM 2), New VLF Waveform compliant compliant advanced VLF/LF receiver for all ground and airborne NC3 platforms. As the USAF VLF receiver integrator, the VLF Enterprise Program Office (VLF EPO) will continue to be responsible for VLF sustainment to include configuration management of the CVR Increment 1 (CVRi1) materiel solution while also providing management support to the B-52 VLF Modernization Program for its procurement and production of the directed VLF receiver. The VLF EPO will provide the same management and engineering support to other legacy NC3 platforms' VLF receiver requirements. The VLF EPO will also develop an acquisition strategy for adaptation of CVRi2 for the current and future NC3 platforms, while establishing an overarching contract to capture both development and production of CVRi2 for multiple NC3 platforms, which will enable enterprise level management of the VLF receivers for the current and future USAF airborne and ground-based NC3 platforms. The FY 2026 request was reduced by [0.001] million for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and advance the policies of the Administration in alignment with Executive Order 14222, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative.” This project may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2025 0.00M was budgeted for civilian pay expenses in this project and in FY 2026 0.559M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this project.

Mission — Force Element Terminal source

The Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T) Force Element Terminal (FET) program is not a New Start in FY 2026. FAB-T FET was transferred from Space Force (PE 1203001SF / Project 673040 / Appropriation 3620 / Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation) to Air Force (PE 0303131F / Project 673040 / Appropriation 3600 / Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation), Transfer Memo signed 12 Nov 2024. The FAB-T FET program replaces the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Milstar terminal and provides secure, protected, and survivable communications for the strategic warfighter through airborne-based Military Satellite Communication (MILSATCOM) terminals. The FAB-T FET will provide worldwide nuclear and non-nuclear, survivable, anti-jam Low Probability of Detect (LPD)/ Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) data and voice communications. The FAB-T FET will be interoperable with Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF), Enhanced Polar Systems - Recapitalization (EPS-R), and Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) satellite constellations utilizing Extended Data Rate (XDR) waveforms and will be installed on the B-52 aircraft (threshold). FAB-T FET was designated as a Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) in February 2019 and is expected to be designated as Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) at the conclusion of MTA. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2024 $00.000M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $00.000M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Mission — Global ASNT Inc 2 source

Global ASNT Increment 2 (Inc 2) replaces aging legacy strategic communications equipment at bomber, tanker and reconnaissance Wing Command Posts (WCPs), Nuclear Task Forces, Munitions Support Squadrons (MUNSS), and Mobile Support Teams (MSTs). Global ASNT Inc 2 is a ground-based system that will provide survivable, secure communication paths to disseminate Emergency Action Messages (EAMs) to bomber, tanker, and reconnaissance aircrews. Global ASNT Inc 2 is being fielded in 2 separate capability incremental blocks; both blocks are High-Altitude Electro-Magnetic Pulse (HEMP) and Radiation Hazard (RADHAZ) protected. Global ASNT Inc 2 Block 1 delivers a replacement Aircrew Alerting System (AAS) consisting of Ultra High Frequency (UHF) personal and general alerting equipment replacing EHDC and AACE systems. The FY 2026 cost of Global Aircrew Strategic Network Terminal Increment 2 Middle Tier of Acquisition effort is reflected in the budget request, including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. The Department will certify FYDP funding in a future budget submission Global ASNT Inc 2 Block 2 provides High Frequency (HF) capabilities for Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS), communications to bomber, tanker and reconnaissance aircraft. Air Force Global Strike Command approved a Rapid Prototyping Requirements Document (RPRD) in December 2023 for Global ASNT Inc 2 Block 2. This program element may include necessary revised Security Classification Guide (SCG) implementation activities. This project may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2024 0.00M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 0.00M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (4)