Tech Maturation & Risk Reduct

Abstract

NOTE: These documents contain an update to the title of the missile defense effort to better communicate the distinction between overarching system and sub-efforts. The new designation is Airbase Air Defense Systems for Missile Defense (ABADS(MD)), instead of Airbase Air Defense Battle Management Command and Control (ABAD BMC2). The Airbase Air Defense Systems (ABADS) program element is the principal Air Force (AF) program to provide the ability to detect, track, identify, and defeat airborne threats to missions and assets. These threats include small-unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), Rockets, Artillery and Mortars (RAM), and cruise missiles. These three efforts (missile defense (MD), counter-sUAS (C-sUAS), and counter-RAM (C-RAM)) aim to protect personnel, assets, and infrastructure vital to supporting the national security strategy. ABADS(MD) is designed as a configurable combination of Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS)/Government Off the Shelf (GOTS) sensor and non-kinetic effector technologies integrated with tailored Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2) software to provide adaptive, resilient, and dedicated air defense capability. The ABADS(MD) system is designed to operate independently or combine with other local and distributed capabilities to form a multi-layered defense-in-depth, improving airbase defense and airbase resiliency. ABADS(MD) FY25 funding will realize a Government Development Security and Operations (DevSecOps) software pipeline, update software and continue the development and testing of system prototype. ABADS(MD) funding supports and maintains ABADS(MD) transition to a Government DevSecOps software pipeline to further align with the ABMS portfolio (Distributed Battle Management Node, Digital Infrastructure, and Cloud Based Command and Control), permits further completion of remaining requirements specified in the ABAD BMC2 Rapid Prototyping Requirements Document (RPRD), and any prioritized capability upgrades. Specific RPRD requirements funded with FY25 include finalizing integration with Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) upgrades, finalizing integration of a composite tracking fire solution, finalizing integration with joint service fire control networks, and incorporating the integration of additional sensors and effectors. FY25 funding also enables initial activities required to successfully transfer the ABAD prototyping effort to a Program of Record (PoR). ABADS Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) specifically aims to counter the threats posed by the rapid proliferation of inexpensive yet highly capable systems, and the enemies who target US Service members, Allies, and Coalition partners. The ABADS(C-sUAS) program will continue to analyze evolving threats, evaluate new capabilities, and design an open system architecture that reduces life cycle cost and enables fielding to all 180+ AF installations. ABADS(C-sUAS) features a system of systems approach to integrate sensors and effectors into a robust Command and Control (C2) interface able to detect, track, identify, and defeat sUAS threats. The AF works closely with the DoD Joint C-sUAS Office (JCO) to align annual efforts. ABADS(C-sUAS) FY2025 funding will further develop and test Command, Control, Communication, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) systems. To include follow-on of Medusa C2 System and focus on needed expeditionary sense and defeat capability development. The Medusa C2 system supports Joint All-Domain Command & Control (JADC2) development and employs electronic warfare capabilities, artificial intelligence for operator task automation, a closed-loop training system for operator certification and proficiency, and track fusion. Funding will support development and test (through bi-weekly software sprints) of Medusa C2 software to further interoperability and incorporation within the ABMS architecture. It will continue electronic warfare upgrades, to include but not limited to new sensor and effector components, and new Ninja skills which leverage full Ninja capability within Medusa C2 and other C2 systems. Ninja is an Omni-direction RF detect and defeat system that detects, IDs and tracks Group One and Two drones by manipulating its command and control signals to either take control of or disable the UAS. Funding will also continue efforts in alignment with the DoD's JCO, include cyber hardening of all new system changes, and support management of JCO funded Ninja development. Additionally it will be utilized to conduct studies, analysis, and evaluations of threats and capability gaps along with evaluation and streamlined acquisition of new capabilities. ABADS(C-sUAS) funding also supports innovation activities to include studies, analyses, requirements definition, and quick-reaction capability prototypes/demonstrations to accelerate planning for technology transition, technology insertion and future acquisition programs. Additionally, funds will be used to further develop technical solutions for a National Capital Region (NCR) Common Operational Picture (COP) to provide better C-sUAS protection of Presidential aviation assets. 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 FY2023 $0.015M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY2024 $0.236M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This effort is in Budget Activity 4, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes (ACD&P), because efforts are necessary to evaluate integrated technologies, representative modes or prototype systems in a high fidelity and realistic operating environment.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 640410_0207522F_4_3600_PB_2025

Tags

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• AI & ML
• AI & ML - Autonomous Systems
• AI & ML - DoD AI Strategy
• Autonomy
• Autonomy - UAVs
• Cyber
• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Microelectronics