Airborne SIGINT Enterprise

Abstract

This program funds multi-domain, multi-Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) efforts in support of the National Defense Strategy (NDS), as applied by the Air Force in the Next Generation ISR Dominance Flight Plan. Specifically, Program Element (PE) 0304260F provides authorized and appropriated funding to Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) RDT&E efforts for utilization on airborne platforms. According to the 2018 NDS, we are facing an increasingly complex security environment with adversaries in every operating domain and we need to ensure operations while under persistent multi-domain attack. The future ISR portfolio will consist of multi-domain, multi-intelligence systems and remain confident across the entire conflict spectrum. The Airborne SIGINT Enterprise (ASE) PE is integral to developing the SIGINT component of the multi-domain, multi-ISR system capable of maintaining the warfighter's decisive advantage through all ranges of military operations, to include the highly contested environments (HCE). ASE Program funds are distributed to projects based on the development priorities established by the USAF SIGINT Capabilities Working Group (SCWG). The SCWG is chartered to guide the ASE capability investment. When required, the USAF may move funds between ASE projects, developing the highest priority projects in response to urgent (e.g., JUON) and emerging (e.g., JEON) warfighter needs. The ASE Program participates in the development, integration, testing, and implementation of International and Air Force standards (e.g., North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) standardization) to ensure Joint, Allied, and Coalition interoperability with ASE fielded systems. ASE funds lead the modernization efforts including existing airborne platform sensors, and where appropriate, their interfaces with the Air Force Distributed Common Ground System (AF DCGS). Summarizing, the ASE Program approach is a synergistic development effort providing Air Force-wide ISR capabilities consistent with the NDS. ASE will use the Air Force SIGINT Architecture (AFSA) for planning and decision-making. AFSA is focused on employing open architecture standards whenever possible, to allow maximum effectiveness, efficiency and flexibility of development upgrades with multi-domain interoperability. That is, the ASE primary goal is to produce an open system architecture-based, capability-focused SIGINT investment strategy for the USAF. Funds in any project may be utilized to cover activities to include studies and analysis activities, supporting both current program planning and execution and future program planning. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver technology and sensor capabilities. The use of such program funds would be in addition to civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605831F. 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.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2021
Source ID
0304260F_7_3600_PB_2021
Change Summary Explanation
FY19: 0.035M reduction in Common Development BPAC due to current for canceled bill paid to contractor. FY20: 17.510M reduction due to congressional marks against ASE PE.
Service Agency Name
Air Force

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Communications Intelligence
  • Contracts
  • Cost Analysis
  • Electronic Intelligence
  • Engineering
  • High Altitude
  • Measurement And Signature Intelligence
  • Military Operations
  • National Security
  • Nato
  • Product Development
  • Signals Intelligence
  • Surveillance
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

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