ISR Modernization & Automation Dvmt (IMAD)

Mission — ISR Modernization & Automation Dvmt (IMAD) source

AF ISR Modernization, Automation and Development (IMAD) program develops and demonstrates technology required to implement Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML), Automation to aid in the current manpower-intensive approaches with digital innovations across the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems. SECAF directed the Air Force to invest in a more automated and machine learning environment to relieve strain on manpower in the out years. IMAD was established to create ISR enterprise-wide effects enhancing the common operations picture, increasing the speed of data from detection, delivery, to operational decision0makers and increase use of AF ISR Commercial Cloud capabilities as described in ISR Strategic Vision 2032. IMAD consist of: (1) Core Technologies in support of Algorithmic Warfare: technologies using algorithms to support USAF ISR, Joint, and the Intelligence Community (IC) operations at the scale and speed required in modern warfare against our adversaries and supports the National Defense Strategy (NDS) priority of operating at the "speed of relevance." Air Force ISR Strategic Vision 2032 calls on a need for dynamically adaptive digital infrastructure and technologies from cone to edge. IMAD provides gaps and enables convergence of various technologies to operate on a common system. (2) Analysis Enterprise in support of Kill Chain Automation: USAF ISR must adapt large data sets and condition it into mission ready data sets, allowing personnel to discover, manage, and analyze data and transform it into real-time intelligence products. ISR Modernization, Automation and Development (IMAD) is an Air Force program managed by Air Combat Command (ACC) that funds investment in digital innovation projects submitted by the field and ISR enterprise partners. Investment funds are programmed to deliver machine learning capabilities (AI/ML). Replace manpower-intensive approaches which cannot keep pace with the future speed and volume of data. In addition, IMAD answers field ISR technologies that shift to a common cloud environment and operate at the tactical edge which applies new methodologies; advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning; ensures data is accessible, discoverable, and interoperable; and delivers decision advantage from detection to mission execution. 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 FY24 $0.20 million was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY25 $0.24 million is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. Efficiency- Reduces $1.296 million in contracts 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 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 — Core Technology source

Core Technologies in support of Algorithmic Warfare: technologies using algorithms to support USAF ISR, Joint, and the Intelligence Community (IC) operations at the scale and speed required in modern warfare against our adversaries and supports the National Defense Strategy (NDS) priority of operating at the "speed of relevance." Algorithmic technologies such as Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape current sense, identify, attribute, and share Processing, Exploitation and Dissemination (PED) models to meet sustainable and effective ISR digital solutions while identifying efficiencies and thrive in a complex operating environment. Supports National Defense Strategy priority of operating at the "speed of relevance." Supports Next Generation ISR Dominance Flight Plan. 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 FY24 0.20M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY25 0.25M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Mission — Analysis Enterprise source

AF ISR must adapt large data sets and condition it into mission sets, allowing personnel to discover, manage, and analyze data and transform it into living intelligence. Kill Chain Automation applies new methodologies; advances automation and machine learning algorithms; ensures data is accessible, agreeable, and interoperable; and delivers decision advantage. Supports National Defense Strategy priority of operating at the "speed of relevance." Supports Next Generation ISR Dominance Flight Plan. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY23 0.00M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY24 0.00M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (2)