Network-Centric Collaborative Targeting

Mission — NCCT Core Technology source

Network Centric Collaborative Targeting (NCCT) is the Department of the Air Force's (DAF) program of record performing platform agnostic, tactical, cooperative geo-location against time sensitive targets. At its core, NCCT is a cloud-based, Joint sensor network that integrates sensors and shooters via a multi-domain, multi-intelligence (multi-INT) AI/ML-assisted decision matrix over a survivable network to find, fix, track, and target (F2T2) threats in highly contested battlespaces. Operationally, NCCT is currently deployed on a variety of DAF aircraft, the DCGS, and other DoD assets. NCCT's utilization of intelligent sensor mesh networks, multi-INT fusion, and its cross-domain information sharing and sensor C2 are key contributions to the Sensing Grid's sensing, sense making, integration, and global orchestration thrusts. NCCT research and development funding supports development of the NCCT message set, network management systems, and technology modernization specific to network and fusion architecture design. Development funds also support software modifications required for development and integration with new and emerging platforms, and incorporation of new data fusion algorithms while satisfying DoD standards and Information Assurance requirements. FY 2026 funding will be dedicated to filling critical capability gaps in the long-range kill chain and multi-INT High Capacity F2T2EA (HCF) sense-making, as well as continued partnerships and integrations with the Joint Force. NCCT will be working closely with C3BM and will be advancing core capabilities to fulfill critical networking and fusion gaps to advance long-range kill chain operations as well as developing advanced techniques for rapid sensemaking of multi-INT HCF sensors by leveraging cross-intelligence AI/ML-assisted fusion and optimizing the network to mirror targeting priorities. NCCT will also be continuing integration efforts with the Joint Fires Network, DAF Battle Network, and the Navy through the Joint Integrated Fire Control - Electronic Warfare Multi-INT Fusion Engine (JIFC-EW). FY 2025 funding is focused on continued cloud utilization, refinement of user interface, integrations of multiple new data sources and required fusion upgrades to support them, and optimization of automation gained through synaptic intelligence-based AI/ML. FY 2024 funding was dedicated to one major capability release and two minor releases. These releases continued development of new and emerging multi-INT use cases, development to integrate additional platforms, fusion on the edge development and integration with the RC-135 fleet, and testing/deployment of Synaptic Intelligence based AI/ML platform. FY 2024 funding continued cloud development and utilization. Additional development, testing, and deployment of a new user interface was also funded. In addition, FY 2024 funded Ukrainian assistance efforts to increase efficiencies in communications and data dissemination networks. Finally, FY 2024 funding continued National to Tactical tip and cue integration, and complete airborne moving target indication (AMTI) to SIGINT data fusion algorithms, while preserving rapid software delivery based on continuous user feedback. 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 FY 2024 $0M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 $0M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. 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.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (1)