Electronic Warfare Development

Mission — Electronic Warfare Development source

The Advanced Infrared Countermeasure (AIRCM) project contains related aircraft self-protection efforts aimed at increasing aircraft survivability against the increasing threat of sophisticated surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles. These missiles may employ sophisticated next-generation Electro-Optics (EO), Infrared (IR), Radio Frequency (RF), dual-mode (i.e. IR and RF), or multi-mode seekers. AIRCM will provide advanced expendable countermeasures and/or techniques that will be functionally compatible with existing dispenser systems and employed across multiple USAF weapons systems. This also includes any and all flare, chaff, decoy, and associated component development and testing that may be demanded or needed in current and future operations regardless of aircraft platform. Similar activities that are supplementary to this effort may be accomplished ad hoc using platform specific funding or through other activities such as joint services or NATO test groups. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required manage, execute, and deliver weapons 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 $0M was expended for civilian pay expenses om this program element, and in FY 2025 $0M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. In FY 2026 PE 0604270F, Project 653891 Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM) efforts were transferred to PE 0207407F and Cognitive Electromagnetic Warfare efforts were transferred to PE 0207039F. The FY 2026 request was reduced by $202 thousand 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 5, System Development and Demonstration (SDD) because it has passed Milestone B approval and is conducting engineering and manufacturing development tasks aimed at meeting validated requirements prior to full rate production.

Mission — Adv Infrared Counter Measures(Aircm) source

"The Advanced Infrared Countermeasure (AIRCM) project improves aircraft self-protection against the increasing threat of sophisticated surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles. Countermeasure improvements are the result of multiple related activities. First, enhanced understanding of advanced threats derived from intelligence and Threat Acquisition and Exploitation. Countermeasure Modeling and Simulation creates updated threat models, countermeasure models, and aircraft models. Modeling and Simulation is then used to digitally evalaute new techniques and products for improved effectiveness against current and emerging threat systems. Countermeasure Development yields new devices and capabilities aimed to defeat advanced threats. Countermeasure Testing collects data for updated digital models as well as tests devices and techniques to determine effectiveness. The project also provides for modernization and enhancement of tools and capabilities needed to perform Threat Acquisition and Exploitation, Countermeasure Modeling and Simulation, Countermeasure Development, and Countermeasure Testing. The project also evaluates novel countermeasure devices and techniques for potential significant capability gains against threats."

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (7)