NOT FOR PUBLICATION UNTIL RELEASED BY

SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE

SUBCOMMITTEE ON TACTICAL AIRLAND
UNITED STATES SENATE

PRESENTATION TO THE
SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON AIRLAND
UNITED STATES SENATE

HEARING DATE/TIME: May 8, 2024, 4:00PM

SUBJECT: Air Force, Force Structure and Modernization Programs

STATEMENT OF:
Hon. Andrew P. Hunter
Assistant Secretary of the Air Force
(Acquisition, Technology & Logistics)

Lt. Gen. Richard G. Moore Jr., USAF

Deputy Chief of Staff
(Plans and Programs)

Lt. Gen. David A. Harris, USAF

Deputy Chief of Staff
(Strategy, Integration, and Requirements)

Lt. Gen. Adrian L. Spain, USAF

Deputy Chief of Staff
(Operations)

NOT FOR PUBLICATION UNTIL RELEASED BY

SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TACTICAL AIRLAND
UNITED STATES SENATE

1
INTRODUCTION
Chairman Kelly, Ranking Member Cotton, and distinguished members of the
subcommittee, thank you for having us here today to provide testimony on The Department of
the Air Force’s (DAF) Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) President’s Budget (PB) request for Air Force
modernization.

The Department of the Air Force is critical to our national defense. Our capabilities
underwrite those of the Joint Force and we are uniquely suited to provide this cornerstone of the
Nation’s defense. This is particularly true of the long-range strike and power projection
capabilities that are the purview of this subcommittee and that we will discuss today.

The Department of the Air Force’s FY25 PB request reflects our commitment to
developing a threat-informed, concept-driven future Air Force as framed by the National Defense
Strategy (NDS), but resources have been limited by the 2023 Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA).
The FRA spending caps increase risk and force difficult tradeoffs. We have made significant
progress in identifying the capabilities the DAF will need to develop and field to prevail against
our adversaries. However, the DAF is facing a significant, dangerous shift in the strategic
security environment where our historical dominance in military operations will be challenged
by adversaries intent on denying us previously assumed advantage in the air and space domains.
The DAF has historically adapted to key inflection points to best compete in emerging security
landscapes and our current efforts to achieve greater organizational agility by reoptimizing for
Great Power Competition (GPC) once again illustrate this key trait. 

The Secretary of the Air Force has made clear we are out of time and must reoptimize
now. We seek to anticipate and develop the capabilities to dominate emerging military
competitions before would-be adversaries can master the ability to threaten our vital interests. To
achieve a more competitive posture, the DAF is implementing major changes centered on how
we Develop People, Generate Readiness, Project Power, and Develop Integrated Capabilities.
The Operational Imperatives work highlighted the challenges of integration and the importance
of tight partnerships between the operational and acquisition communities. The capability
development-related GPC organizational changes we are making at the Secretariat and Major
Command levels institutionalize these lessons learned. The DAF is establishing a single,
authoritative entity focused on identifying and prioritizing future operational capabilities, driving
2
cross-platform mission systems integration and capability development, establishing focused
acquisition Systems Centers for effective portfolio and lifecycle management, and standing up
relevant Secretariat offices to inform senior leaders on enterprise-wide decisions. This will result
in a more agile and integrated acquisition system that delivers capabilities—quickly and at
scale— while demonstrating to adversaries our resolve to rapidly adapt our organization to
effectively compete today and win decisively in any future conflict.

Since time is of the essence in capability development, we are thankful for Congress
providing the Section 229 “Quick Start” provision in the FY24 NDAA and we look forward to
providing information on the specific initiatives using this authority in the near future. While
grateful for the support, we continue to be hampered by funding through Continuing Resolutions
and restrictions on the retirement of outdated fighter, tanker, cargo, and command and control
aircraft. Compromises that divert focus from our operational imperatives put our military’s
ability to deliver decisive combat power at great risk. These short-term tradeoffs could prevent us
from scaling a future force up to the numbers required to provide us with the military capabilities
we need. We are conscious of the difficulties associated with these changes and are eager for
continued collaboration with Congress, industry, and the communities that support our Air Bases
to ensure our Nation’s security.

CONTINUING THE EVOLUTION

Global Force Generation
In line with our sister services, the Air Force has a history of evolving to meet the
demands of the time. As we continue to evolve to meet the needs of the current and future
strategic environment, we must optimize how we organize, train, and equip Air Force Forces and
we must do so in an environment where the demands on the Joint Force continue to increase
globally. We have made great strides on our journey to transform the service into task-organized
units of action, with clearly defined force elements, capable of meeting the worldwide demands
of this strategic environment and its associated threats – but there is more work to be done.
Clarity in the structure of our force presentation and force generation models have allowed us to
better articulate capability, capacity, operational readiness, and risk to ourselves and to the Joint
Force. As we continue on this path, fiscal reality means we must continue to take measured risk
even as we transform and modernize to meet these needs.

3
 The Air Force Force Generation (AFFORGEN) model, in conjunction with a definable
force presentation construct, has been successful in providing predictability for our service-
retained forces and continued improvement in this model is allowing our Airmen to train and
deploy as a team. As our force presentation model continues to evolve from the Air
Expeditionary Wing construct, which was effective for the past couple of decades, to
Expeditionary Air Bases (XABs), Air Task Forces (ATFs), and soon Combat Wings, we are
shifting focus back to warfighting in a peer competitor environment. We will carefully balance
the risk in our garrison missions, in order to prioritize installation and Airmen focus on the
combat mission and warfighting effectiveness.

Readiness
While we are in the midst of this important transition from a legacy force presentation
model optimized for operations with extreme overmatch from uncontested airfields, to one
modernized to deter major power aggression and defeat any peer competitor, the Air Force must
continue to take measured risk in current operational readiness in order to modernize our forces
in line with the Department’s Strategic Readiness Framework mentioned in the National Defense
Strategy (NDS). We’ve had to make tough choices to include divestment of older systems, less
relevant for the high-end fight, and we must prioritize investments in manpower, training
infrastructure, Flying Hour Program (FHP), and Weapons System Sustainment (WSS), aspects
critical to enabling a ready force.
DoD capabilities and those of peer, near-peer, and potential adversaries are advancing at a
rate that challenges our ability to provide relevant and realistic training. In order to maintain a
qualitative advantage through superior training in multi-domain, full-spectrum employment, we
are modernizing our training ranges and legacy airspace to enable warfighters to train for the
peer fight in an all-domain, contested environment against relevant and realistic threats. The Air
Force has substantial, planned investments during the next FYDP to sustain, modernize, and add
training infrastructure to achieve this capability in the 2030 timeframe. We are similarly
increasing investments in virtual and synthetic training environments for the future,
acknowledging that while not a replacement for flying, factors such as OPSEC, threat
replication, emitters and tactics, techniques and procedures will demand more high-end training
be accomplished in a synthetic or augmented environment.
4
Rated Force Management

The Air Force remains committed to meeting the needs of the service and its Airmen
through experimentation and continuous, data-driven feedback and we appreciate all the support
the committee continues to provide for our Airmen. Despite multiple meaningful initiatives and
the efforts of thousands of Airmen at multiple locations, pilot production continues to remain
constrained. FY23 Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) production graduated 1,315 pilots,
which was an increase from FY22, but still below the required 1,500 pilots we need to produce
each year. We have taken a holistic, ecosystem-wide approach to operational readiness and data
accountability, which in turn has refined our pilot reporting information, awareness, and trust in
the information to shape future initiatives. Additional efforts to improve rated force management
and pilot production include the Air Mobility Fundamentals – Simulator (AMF-S) program, and
improved retention initiatives supported by the committee. Until production improves, we will
continue to prioritize operations, test, and training units and take risk in staffs; if that position
becomes untenable, we will be forced to shift risk to those historically protected units.

CURRENT CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY

Following NDS guidance, the DAF seeks to invest in technologies and field systems that
are both lethal and survivable against tomorrow’s threats. Our adversaries continue to erode our
historically superior military advantages with ever-advancing capabilities specifically designed
to counter traditional air power. This ultimately means transitioning away from legacy platforms
to free up manpower and resources to modernize and field more credible systems. If we are to
modernize to address the emerging threat, we must use resources tied to our legacy platforms and
weapons systems that are decreasing in relevance today and will be irrelevant in a future peer
conflict. Retaining systems that have either limited contributions, or are simply not relevant in
the future fight, delays modernization and exacerbates future capability gaps while adversary
advancements in the air and space domains only increase annually. If deterrence fails, our
Airmen must have the training, tools, munitions, and platforms required to win. We must
recognize the inherent tension between near-term and future risk to strike the right balance.

5
Bomber Force Structure
Our budget request supports the NDS’s call for continued modernization of the nuclear
triad, to ensure a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent to backstop our integrated
deterrence approach. Air Force bombers anchor the air leg of the Nation’s Nuclear Triad. As a
unique national security capability, the B-21 represents the future of this bomber force. As
modernization continues, the Air Force will gradually transition to next-generation B-21s and
modernized B-52s to provide nuclear and conventional global strike options for decades to come.

B-21
The B-21 is a Special Access Program (SAP). Budget year requests at the appropriation
level are unclassified, but most supporting details are classified and provided to Congress in
appropriate classified forums. The FY25 PB includes $2.8B in Research Development Test &
Evaluation (RDT&E) for the continuation of Engineering and Manufacturing Development
(EMD), and also includes modernization activities. Modernization includes, but is not limited to,
Long Range Standoff Weapon (LRSO) integration, new conventional weapons integration, air
vehicle provisioning for future capabilities, sensors, and continued nuclear certification
activities. The FY25 PB includes $2.7B in Procurement funding for the execution towards Lot 3
of Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP). In addition to aircraft costs, which includes Advance
Procurement, this also provides funding for producibility improvements, approved LRIP Active
Management strategies, initial spares, support equipment, Diminishing Manufacturing Sources
and Material Shortages (DMSMS) or obsolescence issues, and depot standup. The FY25 PB
includes $220.3M in Main Operating Bases (MOB) Military Construction (MILCON) funding
for three projects at Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB), SD, the Addition and Alteration (ADAL)
Squadron Ops facility, Environmental Protection Shelters (EPS), and Alert Apron, as well as
continued Planning & Design. The FY25 PB also supports funding for two MILCON projects at
Dyess AFB, TX, Refueler Parking and Fuels Admin Lab, as well as continued Planning &
Design.

B-52 Squadrons
The Air Force is transitioning to a two-bomber force: B-21 and modernized B-52
aircraft. The FY25 PB request for all B-52 modifications is $1.046B RDT&E and $215.013M
procurement. This funding enables the Air Force to advance the most comprehensive

6
modernization in the platform’s history, executing numerous on-going modernization programs
in various acquisition phases from early development phase through production and fielding
phase. Major B-52 modernization efforts include the Commercial Engine Replacement Program
(CERP) and the Radar Modernization Program (RMP).

The B-52J CERP has a FY25 PB request of $785.0M RDT&E and $2.1M for advance
procurement of Common Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) cards for the display and sensor
system processor (DASSP). B-52J CERP initiated as a Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) program,
selected Boeing as integrator (March 2018), selected Rolls-Royce as engine provider (September
2021), completed Preliminary Design Review (PDR) (October 2022), and delivered a virtual
System Prototype (vSP) that provided residual operational capability to Air Force Global Strike
Command (AFGSC) (October 2023). B-52J CERP has completed MTA requirements by
delivering a digital prototype and has transitioned to a Major Capability Acquisition (MCA)
(November 2023). The program continues to mature cost and schedule to set a program baseline
at Milestone B targeted for September 2024. In FY25 the program will be in the EMD phase, and
will be integrating the electronics controls, displays, electrical systems, engine support
components, and advanced engine testing required for conversion to B-52J.

B-52H Radar Modernization Program (RMP) has a FY25 PB request of $179.8M

RDT&E and $129.5M in procurement. B-52H RMP replaced the first B-52 EMD aircraft’s
1980’s radar system with Raytheon’s advanced, modern, off-the-shelf APG-79 radar system in
September 2023. The program entered EMD on June 10, 2021 and awarded a development
contract to Boeing Defense on June 14, 2021. B-52H RMP completed system-level Critical
Design Review (CDR) in February 2022. Boeing started modifying the first B-52H RMP test
aircraft in May 2023 and USAF will begin developmental flight tests in November 2024 at
Edwards AFB. Milestone C Decision Point #1 is scheduled for 2QFY25, and Milestone C
Decision Point #2 is scheduled for 4QFY25.

B-2

The FY25 PB requests $41.2M in RDT&E for B-2 to continue development and flight
testing to modernize avionics, communications systems, cockpit displays, armament systems,
low-observable components, aircraft supportability improvements, and support equipment
development. The FY25 PB also requests $101.5M in procurement to allow the Air Force to

7
purchase and install equipment for modernized avionics, communications systems, cockpit
displays, low-observable components, and training systems, as well as to provide maintenance
and repair capabilities for B-2 systems.

B-1
The FY25 PB requests $17.9M in RDT&E to complete development and flight testing to
modernize the B-1’s secure communications systems. All of this is in preparation for transition to
production in FY25, which enables fleet installations to be completed by FY27. Also, the FY25
PB requests $13.4M for B-1 procurement to allow the Air Force to begin installation of secure
communication kits and procure external Load Adaptable Modular (LAM) pylons. The external
pylon integration maximizes carriage of standoff munitions on the B-1 and allows the Air Force
to increase volume of fires from standoff ranges.

Fighter Force Structure

The Air Force must continue to evolve its fighter force structure to meet the pacing
challenge posed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the acute threat posed by Russia
and ensure the capability and capacity to meet worldwide demands today. Extensive gaming and
analysis (using the most difficult problem-sets and scenarios) show that the Air Force must adjust
the future fighter force structure mix by adjusting investment priorities to provide the capability,
capacity, and affordability required to defeat any peer threat. The threat will not allow the Air
Force to just retain and modernize our current fleets. Modernization programs cannot transform
our current fourth-generation fighters into fifth-generation fighters, or our current fifth-
generation fighters into Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD).
In realistic budget projections, we must balance the need for high-end technology with
affordable capacity. To attain this desired fighter fleet, the Air Force must continue to right size
current aircraft inventories to expedite the transition away from less capable, aging aircraft and
emphasize investment in future capabilities such as NGAD and F-35 modernization. The desired
Air Force fighter fleet should match capability and capacity of both platforms and weapons to
mission requirements. As part of its force structure change, the Air Force must transition its
fighter fleet from seven platforms (i.e., F-35, F-22, F-16, F-15E/EX, F-15C, A-10) to four (i.e.,
NGAD, F-35, F-15E/EX, F-16), plus Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).

8
 On the path to achieving the desired future fighter fleet, the FY25 PB continues to seek
opportunities to divest systems that are not consistent with pacing challenges and focus on the
key capabilities required to execute the NDS. Moving away from outdated and less capable
legacy platforms allows us to redirect manpower to our newest aircraft/platforms, many of which
require both experienced maintainers and pilots to maintain our competitive edge. These
divestitures are critical to building a relevant future force capable of meeting the pacing
challenge. Resourcing those future capabilities and modernizing our remaining force demands
both money and manpower currently tied up in our legacy systems and platforms.

Fighter Force Structure Studies

Our fighters are becoming significantly more expensive to sustain as they age. The
average age of the Air Force fleet is 26 years, which is significantly higher than all other
Services. Weapons System Sustainment (WSS) costs have increased approximately 40% above
inflation over FY16-FY27. We need new platforms and weapons to replace an aging force, but
also must invest in cutting edge technology needed to confront and outpace threats.
Both internally and alongside the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), the Air Force
has performed a Tactical Aircraft (TACAIR) analysis to evaluate how efficiently different force
mixes meet future warfighting challenges in the 2035-2040 timeframe. Specifically, this study
focused on fighter force mixes and quantities that were both affordable and militarily effective.
The Air Force TACAIR Study was an initial step in creating a long-term plan for our future
fighter force. While this study was not published, it was used internally by the Air Force to
inform both FY25 and future year programming efforts.

Fighters
F-35
The FY25 PB prioritizes investments in F-35 modernization, infrastructure, and advanced
weapons, and commits $5.9B to procurement, $1.2B to development and $2.8B to sustainment.
The FY25 PB request for 42 F-35A aircraft represents a decrease of 6 aircraft from the FY24 PB
position. Decreasing F-35A procurement was not an arbitrary decision. Reducing aircraft
quantities enables the Air Force to fund unplanned increases to F-35 support costs without
significant increases to the F-35 budget. Additionally, slowing the pace of procurement allows

9
added flexibility for Lockheed Martin to work through the issues related to Block 4 development
and integration.
Propulsion and power-thermal-management-systems-development investments help
ensure capability enhancements continue to be viable for the platform as demands increase,
while also reducing lifetime sustainment costs. Development funds also address a critical
shortfall of F-35A flight test aircraft, which alongside System Integration Lab (SIL) resources are
major F-35 modernization enablers.
The F-35 is the cornerstone of our future fighter fleet, and as of April 2024, 409 F-35As
are fielded. Although a formidable platform today, the Air Force must continue to smartly
modernize the F-35A fleet to keep pace with potential adversaries on relevant timelines. The
current program-wide focus remains on Tech Refresh-3 (TR-3) certification and maintainability,
which are the foundations for Block 4 capability upgrades and are designed specifically to
compete in the highly contested fight in INDOPACOM and EUCOM.
The Air Force committees commit to controlling F-35 costs for both production and
sustainment, as well as maximizing mission readiness. The Lighting Sustainment Center delivers
global support to U.S. Services, F-35 Partners, and Foreign Military Sales customers around the
world. In response to the FY22 NDAA Section 142 mandate, the Air Force is working with the
OSD, the Department of Navy (DoN), and the Joint Program Office (JPO) to assume greater
management, planning, and execution roles of sustainment functions, both to improve aircraft
availability and further reduce sustainment costs.

F-22
The F-22 is the Joint Force’s preeminent air superiority fighter and the only operational
weapon system capable of countering pacing air threats at scale into the 2030s. To date, its
combination of stealth, super-cruise, maneuverability, and integrated avionics have given it “First
Look, First Shot, First Kill” capabilities against adversary platforms. However, it requires an
aggressive modernization strategy to ensure continued advantage against emerging threats in
highly contested environments. The FY25 PB request furthers F-22 modernization with
continued development and integration of sensor enhancements (SeE), communication systems
(Link-16 and Mode 5 Challenge and Reply), navigation systems (EGI-M – an advanced
navigation technology, known as Embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) / Inertial

10
Navigation System (INS) Modernization, or EGI-M, and Controlled Reception Pattern Antenna-
CRPA), and other performance upgrades.
The FY25 RDT&E request of $768.6M greatly expands survivability by beginning the
Infra-Red Defensive Suite (IRDS) Gen III integration effort, while maintaining continued
developments across the entire F-22 modernization portfolio. The FY25 procurement request of
$934.2M ramps up production of Mode 5 and Low-Drag Tanks and Pylons (LDT/P) kits that are
essential to reduce fratricide potential and extend maximum combat sortie ranges and durations.
To resource these F-22 modernization efforts and invest in sixth-generation platforms
(NGAD), the Air Force has sought to divest F-22 Block-20 Formal Training Unit (FTU) and Test
aircraft in the FY23 PB, FY24 PB, and FY25 PB. However, the 2023 NDAA prohibits
divestment of F-22 aircraft through FY27. F-22 Block-20 aircraft are currently in their third
decade of operations, with the highest operating costs of any Air Force fighter, and do not
possess the combat capabilities resident in the F-22 Block-30/35. The Air Force remains
committed to delivering air superiority to the Joint Force in the highly contested environment.

F-16
The FY25 PB reduces the F-16 Total Aircraft Inventory (TAI) by 11 aircraft, to 830, and
continues modernizing the post block fleet (i.e., Block 40/42/50/52) to improve survivability and
offensive viability into the 2040s, filling mission roles in conjunction with fifth- and sixth-
generation fighters.
The FY25 PB requests $107M in RDT&E to continue Operational Flight Program (OFP)
software updates to integrate new mission capabilities, weapons, targeting pods, and improved
avionics in support of NDS priorities.
Additionally, the FY25 PB requests $231.9M for procurement efforts to upgrade core
mission computer sub-systems to realize full Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar
capabilities, replace or repair aircraft-life-limiting components, upgrade the Communications
Suite to meet crypto mandates, and continue AESA radar installations. FY25 PB F-16
investments align with FY24 PB priorities and support the DAF fighter roadmap.

11
F-15 Divestments
In FY25, F-15C/D fleet recapitalization continues, and the Air Force plans to divest 65 F-
15C/D aircraft, many of which are beyond their service life and have serious structural risks,
wire chafing issues, and obsolete parts. The Air Force will also begin divesting part of the F-15E
fleet, retiring 26 of the older aircraft which possess the less capable, Pratt & Whitney 220-
engines. F-15 divestments make way for Air Force modernization, which includes F-15EX
procurement to replace the aged F-15C/D aircraft, as well as F-15 Eagle Passive/Active Warning
and Survivability System (EPAWSS) procurement, to increase the F-15 fleet’s capability and
operational readiness.

F-15EX
The FY25 PB includes $1.8B to procure 18 Lot 6 aircraft and 6 pairs of Conformal Fuel
Tanks (CFT). The funds also support requirements for a sixth operational location, which
requires investment in spare parts, support equipment, training, and other support requirements.
Finally, the procurement request includes funds to stand up organic, depot-maintenance repair
capabilities. This request supports a total F-15EX fleet of 98 aircraft (6 fewer than in the FY24
PB) and would bring total CFT inventory to 18 pairs (12 pairs funded in FY24), enough for one
squadron.

As of January 2024, the Air Force accepted six F-15EX test aircraft, located at Eglin
AFB. The Air Force expects to begin Lot 2 aircraft acceptance by the end of 2024 and grow F-
15EX inventory to 29 aircraft by the end of FY25.

The FY25 budget contains $56.2M in RDT&E funds to continue F-15EX Non-Recurring
Engineering (NRE) and integration development efforts, including incremental funding for the
Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (AGCAS) and new Flight Control Computer
(FCC).

• Forward Fuselage Redesign. Forward fuselage redesign challenges delayed six Lot 1
aircraft deliveries. The final two Lot 1 aircraft are projected to deliver by June 2024, eight
months later than projected during the FY24 PB rollout, but still within the program
baseline threshold.

12
 • Cartridge/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PADs) Shortages. Issues have been
mitigated through Lot 3 delivery (November 2025). The Air Force and industry remain
engaged to mitigate CAD/PAD risks to Lot 4 and beyond.
• Gun System Shortages. DAF, Boeing, and the General Dynamics have collaborated to
resolve the issue. All operational aircraft will deliver with their gun system installed.

F-15 Modernization (Including F-15 Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System
(EPAWSS))
The Air Force continues investments in the F-15 fleet to improve survivability and
lethality within highly contested areas. The future F-15E/EX fleet will bring substantial capacity
for over-sized long-range fires, sensors, and electronic warfare capabilities to complement fifth-
and sixth-generation aircraft and defend critical locations.

The FY25 budget includes $357.6M in procurement funds to order F-15 Eagle
Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS) kits for 21 F-15E aircraft, install
EPAWSS on 14 F-15E aircraft, procure initial spares, provide for interim contractor support
(repair capabilities), and support other program requirements. The procurement request also
supports other F-15E system modernization, many of which are necessary to comply with
National Security Agency and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates. Specifically, the
request funds hardware, installation, and/or interim contractor support for new or improved
subsystems, which include a mission computer, tactical datalink system, radio for satellite
communications, and data transfer module.

The FY25 budget includes $178.6M in RDT&E to support F-15 annual software releases
and flight test infrastructure for developmental and operational test requirements of the F-15
platform and various defense weapon systems. The annual OFP software updates integrate new
hardware and weapons, counter emerging threats, and react to emerging safety of flight issues,
preserving the F-15’s survivability and lethality.

A-10
The FY25 PB does not include development or procurement requests, in accordance with
the Air Force plan to divest the entire A-10 fleet by FY28 and constraints imposed by the “Sunset

13
Clause” (10 USC Sec 2244a) prohibiting the bulk of A-10 modernization and associated
procurement. Although the A-10 has limited applications to higher-tier NDS priorities and
limited survivability in the evolving global threat environment, the fleet is sufficiently
modernized to meet operational needs over the next five years and to operate safely through
platform divestment.

NGAD Family of Systems - Platform and CCA

The FY25 PB requests approximately $3.3B to fund the development, testing, and
experimentation of both NGAD and CCA, as well as CCA integration with fifth-generation
crewed platforms. The CCA program will begin concept refinement for the next CCA Increment
(CCA Inc 2) and explore international participation.

In April 2024, the DAF exercised two option-award contracts for CCA Increment 1 to
Anduril and General Atomics to conduct detailed design, build, and test of production-
representative test articles. In 2024 the Air Force plans to award an EMD contract for the NGAD
crewed platform. These activities, guided by a family-of-systems acquisition approach, will
continue into FY25.

Advanced Engine Development

The FY25 PB request includes $562.3M in RDT&E for development of Next
Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) prototype engines. The NGAP program builds on
Adaptive Engine Transition Program prototyping to further advance adaptive cycle engine
performance and size scalability key to enabling future air dominance capabilities. NGAP
funding supports production and test of a prototype engine by each of two contractors,
preserving competition and key engine design and manufacturing skills. The program is also
driving digital transformation of the propulsion industrial base to reduce future integration risks
while shortening development timelines. This continued investment in the advanced propulsion
and digital transformation of the industrial base are key factors in maintaining the U.S. strategic
advantages in propulsion technology and development capability over competitors and
adversaries.

14
Munitions

Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM)

The FY25 PB request for AMRAAM continues investment in the next generation
medium and long-range air-to-air missiles. AMRAAM continues to be the Air Force’s premier
beyond visual range, all-weather, launch and leave medium range air-to-air missile that can
defend against more advanced threats in a highly contested environment. The Air Force is
requesting $447M for 462 AMRAAMs to maximize production capacity through the future years
defense program.

Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM)

The FY25 PB request for JASSM continues investment in the long-range conventional
air-to-surface missiles. JASSM continues to be the Air Force’s premier autonomous precision
guided standoff cruise missile; able to attack fixed or relocatable targets. The FY25 PB requests
$825M of missile procurement funding for 550 missiles that supports the continued multi-year
procurement strategy, initiated in FY24. In the FY25 PB the Air Force also requests $184M of
RDT&E to support the development of the B-3 and D variants of the JASSM. This funding
supports Software development, Weapon Data Link (WDL) development for the JASSM-D, and
weapon test and evaluation. These RDT&E efforts support fielding the B-3 and the D variants in
FY27. The Air Force will continue the purchase of the M-code enabled B-3 variant, and the post-
launch retargetable D variant for all future lots.

Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM)

The FY25 PB request for LRASM continues investment in the long-range conventional
air-to-surface missiles against high-threat maritime targets. LRASM is highly leveraged on the
design of JASSM-ER with over 70% hardware commonality and shares the same production
assembly line. The Air Force requests $354M of missile procurement funding for 64 C-1 and 51
C-3 missiles that supports LRASM MYP (starting with lot 9 procurement) of AGM-158C and
AGM-158C-3 variants. The Air Force will continue to purchase the C-3 variant in FY26 Lot 10.
The LRASM AGM-158C-3 variant will be a forward fit Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) to
the AGM-158C, to enhance long-range strike and existing Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare
(OASuW) capability. Beginning in FY26 through the outyears, the Air Force will be procuring

15
LRASM C-3 only, until the missile inventory objective is met. The DoN has oversight and
primary management authority for the LRASM program, to include system development, with
interest from the DAF as the lead for weapons procurement and contracting.

Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW)

The Air Force continues to invest in technology to counter future peer threats and
continues development of the SiAW to deliver a strike capability to defeat rapidly relocatable
targets, a hallmark of the highly contested environment. SiAW is the munition that gives the F-35
unique air-to-surface capabilities in the high-end fight for the Joint Force. The FY25 PB requests
$376M for SiAW development and prototyping, along with $173M in procurement funding to
field Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile Extended Range (AARGM-ER) on the F-35 as an
interim capability.

Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW)

The FY25 PB does not include a request for ARRW RDT&E or procurement funding.
ARRW recently completed the final test of its All-Up Round executed under rapid prototyping
authorities in March 2024. While future ARRW decisions are pending final analysis of all flight
test data, the service is pleased to report that the ARRW rapid prototyping program is a
categorical success.

Though specific test objectives cannot be provided in an unclassified forum, the test
acquired valuable, unique data, and was intended to further a range of programs such as ARRW
and Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM). It also validated and improved the Air Force’s
test and evaluation capabilities for continued development of advanced hypersonic systems.

Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM)

The FY25 PB request of $517.0M in RDT&E for the HACM development allows the Air
Force to mature HACM through ground and flight testing, continue model-based engineering
and digital ecosystem, complete critical design, and increase production readiness. Funding will
support finalization of design verification testing, execution of initial qualification testing, and
aircraft integration activities required for the HACM flight test campaign in FY25 through FY27
and enable production article procurement by FY27.

16
Aerial Refueling
Near-peer competitors have made significant advancements that threaten today’s tanker
fleet and potentially forces them to operate farther away from their area of responsibility. The
stacked demand of global operations requires a set number of air refueling tankers with specific
connectivity, survivability, and agility capabilities, generating at mission capable rates to meet
timelines and win the fight. The FY25 PB requests $3.2B in RDT&E and procurement to
continue uninterrupted tanker recapitalization.

KC-46A
The KC-46A continues to provide increased operational readiness, flexibility,
connectivity, and survivability to the Global Reach mission. To date, 139 production aircraft are
on contract and 82 KC-46As have been delivered to the warfighter.

The Air Force continues to work with Boeing to correct deficiencies with the Remote
Vision System (RVS) and stiff air refueling boom. We are committed to ensuring these
deficiencies are properly addressed without undue burden on the taxpayers or warfighters. The
RVS 2.0 solution and start of fleet retrofit is now scheduled in FY26. In addition, the stiff boom
deficiency design solution is expected to start fielding in FY26.

While the KC-46A program is addressing these challenges, Air Mobility Command
(AMC) has accepted a certain level of risk and cleared the KC-46A for worldwide operations,
using existing approved restrictions, operational guidance, and risk assessments for all Mobility
aircraft. KC-46As must fill rotational deployments to ensure KC-135 units remain within deploy-
to-dwell redlines and are afforded training opportunities to meet operational readiness
requirements. The Air Force will utilize the capability the KC-46A can provide today, in order to
support global operations and continue the KC-46A transition while we divest KC-10s and KC-
135s. The A-10 is not cleared for operational refueling; the E-2D, C-32B, and B-21 are awaiting
receiver certification. All other Joint aircraft have been cleared for operational air refueling.

The FY25 PB requests $93.6M in RDT&E funds to support the ongoing KC-46A EMD
and post-production modification efforts, to include the boom telescope actuator redesign that
resolves the stiff boom deficiency, continued test and receiver aircraft certifications, development
for training system required updates, and increased effort on the KC-46A Pegasus Advanced

17
Communications Suite (PACS) Block 1 program. In addition to PACS Block 1, AMC will
accelerate the means to connect the Mobility Air Forces (MAF) via the FY25 new start MAF
Connectivity to optimize operations and close logistics and kill chains. These connectivity
initiatives will provide the KC-46A with increased communications reliability using high-
bandwidth, multi-waveform, multi-orbit, constellation systems of systems, including accelerating
commercial satellite-based internet services. Additionally, the budget requests $3.1B to fund
procurement of 15 aircraft in Production Lot 11 and the associated support costs, along with
increased depot standup and transition to organic sustainment efforts. The DAF is increasing the
number of KC-46A programmed aircraft from 179 to 183 aircraft, which procures 4 additional
aircraft in FY27 Production Lot 13.

Tanker Recapitalization
Accelerating future tanker capability and recapitalizing the aging tanker fleet is a top
priority for the DAF. Tanker Recapitalization is the second phase in replacing legacy tanker
aircraft, following the KC-46A program that ensures continuous, uninterrupted tanker
recapitalization. The DAF’s goal is to use the Tanker Recapitalization program to replace up to
15 KC-135s per year as they retire between the completion of the KC-46A contract and an
accelerated Next Generation Air-refueling System (NGAS). The program received Joint
Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) validated requirements and released a draft System
Requirements Document (SRD) to industry in 2023. Market research and the Business Case
Analysis (BCA) re-look is complete, the DAF is using the data to inform the program’s
acquisition strategy, scheduled to occur in June 2024.

The FY25 PB request of $13.7M in RDT&E funding will support FY25 acquisition
activities including the Future Tanker program office stand up, release of the program’s Request
for Proposal (RFP) to industry, Engineering Support, and Cost Analysis.

Next Generation Air-Refueling System (NGAS)

NGAS will deliver adaptive and agile platform(s) and mission systems as part of a tanker
Family of Systems by the mid -2030s. The NGAS Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) will consider a
wide range of designs including clean sheet design(s) and purpose-built aircraft to address
projected threats and needed capabilities and leverage benefits of full and open competition.

18
NGAS held its Materiel Development Decision (MDD) milestone in January 2024 and was
approved entrance into the Material Solution Analysis (MSA) Phase. In addition, the OSD Cost
Assessment and Program Evaluation approved the AoA study plan, and the 9-month AoA. It is
currently underway, and will be completed in October 2024. The AoA will shape requirements
and determine the technology development timeline. Finally, the DAF is standing up a Future
Tanker program office to execute both the NGAS and Tanker Recapitalization programs.

The FY25 PB request of $7.0M in RDT&E funds draft requirements development efforts,
prep for the acquisition strategy for the Technology, Maturation, and Risk Reduction phase and
Milestone A prep, and post AoA studies, updates to tanker models and run high-fidelity modeling
and simulation to further exercise Joint warfighting concepts and plans. The DAF is constantly
evaluating technology acceleration opportunities for the program and is awaiting the AoA results
and post-AoA modeling and simulation data.

KC-10 and KC-135

The FY25 PB requests $32.0M in RDT&E to continue KC-135 fleet communications
suite modernization to enable digital and secure communications across the fleet. These
modernization efforts include Aero-I SATCOM, Comm 2 Crypto and Data, High-Frequency
Modernization, and Mobile User Objective System (MUOS). The funding will also be used for
drag reduction initiatives to support DAF Climate Action Plan (CAP) initiatives in an effort to
reduce fleet emissions. This funding will address critical DMSMS issues through the Center
Console Refresh (CCR) program. This effort replaces the integrated fuel management panel, fuel
management panel, tanker interface unit, multi-function display, and the control display unit
which are all out of production and no longer able to be serviced.

The FY25 PB also requests $161.6M in procurement to continue installation of Real-

Time Information in the Cockpit (RTIC), Comm 2 Crypto and Data, High-Frequency
Modernization, and the safety of flight Rudder Position Indicator (RPI) modifications. These
modifications will allow the KC-135 to meet NSA-crypto mandates. The RPI modifications will
allow crews enhanced situational awareness into the actual rudder position, versus what is
commanded, and provide advanced visuals so crews can avoid safety of flight situations. The
KC-135 will also begin the installation of MAF Connectivity enhancement; allowing the tanker

19
to close logistics and kill chains. The KC-135 fleet completed all Block 45 installs in FY24. The
KC-10 fleet will fully divest by the end of FY24.

Executive Airlift

The Executive Airlift fleet supports the President of the United States through VC-25 and
the Vice President of the United States, First Spouse of the United States, Secretary of State,
Secretary of Defense, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff through five different aircraft
types. Modernization and recapitalization efforts of these aircraft will continue to provide
reliable operational support and keep passengers globally connected while airborne.

VC-25A
The FY25 PB request of $11.4M in procurement is for Block Upgrade efforts (low-
latency worldwide data connections, aggregated throughput bandwidth, and Multi-Role Tactical
Common Data Link (MRTCDL) on one aircraft, low-cost modifications, and service bulletins.

VC-25B
The FY25 PB requests $433.9M in RDT&E to continue EMD, aircraft modifications,
developmental test and evaluation, and other product support activities.

C-32 / C-40

The FY25 PB requests $338.7M in procurement funding to purchase one aircraft that will
augment the current C-32A executive airlift fleet. The acquisition will modify a new-production,
industry standard, business aircraft by integrating the military-specific modifications and Senior
Leader Communications System-Airborne (SLCS-A) suite already present on the executive
airlift fleet. The C-32A fleet supports the Top Five (Vice President of the United States, First
Spouse of the United States, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff). This fleet augmentation will alleviate pressure on the C-40B and C-40C fleets
that currently support combatant commanders, the Cabinet, and Congress.

20
Strategic and Tactical Airlift
The stacked demand of global operations requires a set number of strategic and tactical
airlift aircraft with specific connectivity, survivability, and agility capabilities now, generating at
mission-capable rates to meet timelines and win the fight.

C-5M
The FY25 PB requests $55.0M in procurement, predominately for Crown Skins, as well
as Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM), C-5 Core
Mission Computer/Weather Radar (CMC/WxR) system equipment, and Mission Systems
Equipment Lavatories (MSEL). Crown Skins replacement and lavatory modifications address
corrosion issues decreasing availability of aircraft and causing grounding. CNS/ATM complies
with civil airspace mandates for US National Airspace System and international civil airspace.
CMC/WxR upgrades computer processor modules and addresses obsolescence issues.

Additionally, the FY25 PB requests $33.0M in RDT&E to support Replacement of the Multi-
functional Controls and Display (RMCD), which mitigates the obsolescence of the current
control and display units and increases capacity for future technology integration into the
cockpit.

C-17A
The FY25 PB requests $113.7M in procurement funding to continue critical
modifications to the C-17 fleet to address obsolescence and flight safety issues. These include
Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS), Replacement Heads-Up Display (RHUD), and Filter Fire
Mitigation (FFM) for Onboard Inert Gas Generating System (OBIGGS), and Aircraft
Connectivity. The BLOS communication system effort modernizes multi-channel voice and data
communication subsystems to address obsolescence issues and enables compliance with FAA
and NSA mandates. The RHUD modification addresses obsolescence issues with the current
HUD that will become unsupportable in FY26 and could cause grounding of aircraft if the
current scheduled is delayed. FFM includes a redesigned shut off valve that eliminates potential
filter fires, improves fuel efficiency, and incorporates a Master Caution annunciation to warn
aircrews of potential filter fire risk. MAF Connectivity is a new start program that will provide
capability for increased aircrew situational awareness, real-time secure command and control of

21
forces, and close logistics and kill chains. Additionally, the FY25 PB requests $17.4M in
RDT&E funding to address obsolescence issues. Flight Deck Replacement prevents
obsolescence in 16 existing C-17 flight deck parts. Four parts will significantly impact aircraft
availability in FY29 and deplete assets worldwide by FY31.

C-130H
The FY25 President’s budget requests $102.5M in procurement funding to support the C-
130H fleet. The Air Force continues to modernize the C-130H fleet to ensure aircraft safety,
airspace compliance, and aircraft systems modernization. Our C-130H Center Wing Box
replacement program breathes new life into some of our more frequently flown aircraft, enabling
them to continue to safely operate well into the future. The Avionics Modernization Program
(AMP) Increment 2 program improves the C-130H fleet maintainability and reliability by
providing a new digital avionics suite, mitigating obsolescence and diminishing manufacturing
source challenges, and provides Crypto Modification I capabilities to include MUOS/SATURN
upgrades.

C-130J
The FY25 PB requests $34.4M in RDT&E and $209.3M for procurement and
modification efforts. The FY25 PB also requests $24.9M in RDT&E for HC/MC-130J and
$231.9M for procurement and modification efforts for HC/MC-130J.

The Air Force has partially recapitalized the C-130H fleet with C-130Js, which also
supports our Special Operations missions by providing Special Forces with extra weight carrying
capacity, longer range, and better fuel efficiency. These special mission variants of the C-130J
conduct weather reconnaissance (WC-130J), search and rescue (HC-130J), and special
operations (MC-130J and AC-130J). The Air Force has multiple modification efforts for the
C-130J, including Center Wing Box replacement, Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures,
communications upgrades, and Block 8.1. The C-130J Block 8.1 modernization program,
currently in production, delivers new communication and data link capabilities, a modern flight
management system, and other key capabilities to the field. In addition, the Air Force plans to
upgrade both our C-130H and C-130J fleets with a MUOS and a Second-Generation Anti-Jam

22
Tactical Ultra High Frequency Radio satellite communication system to ensure we maintain key
communication links anywhere in the world.

Rotary

HH-60G and HH-60W (Combat Rescue Helicopter)

The Air Force is the only Service with a dedicated force organized, trained, and equipped
to execute theater-wide Personnel Recovery. The HH-60G fleet currently accomplishes this
mission by conducting day, night, and marginal weather Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)
operations to recover isolated personnel in hostile or permissive environments. The planned fleet
of 96 HH-60W will replace the HH-60G in this role. The FY25 PB requests $2.1M in
procurement for the HH-60G and $52.3M in RDT&E and $193.5M in procurement for the HH-
60W program.

MH-139A
In April, the Air Force notified Congress of a critical Average Procurement Unit Cost
(APUC) breach of at least 31.3 percent and a Program Acquisition Unit Cost (PAUC) breach of
at least 43.1 percent. The breach is largely due to the reduction of 38 air vehicles in the FY25
PB. The DAF intends to continue the orderly performance of the MH-139A program while we
work with OUSD (A&S) to complete the Critical Nunn-McCurdy process and report to Congress
on the Department of Defense’s decision to certify or terminate the MH-139A program by mid-
October, the timeline required by statute.

The MH-139A program will deliver 42 replacement helicopters, training devices, and
associated support equipment to replace the legacy UH-1Ns for AFGSC. Air Force District of
Washington, Fairchild AFB, WA, Kirtland AFB, NM, and Duke Field, FL, will continue to fly
the UH-1Ns. The FY25 PB requests $333.5M in procurement for the MH-139 program, which
will fund LRIP for eight aircraft, training devices, and support equipment. The first six aircraft
continue to be used to finalize test and development. The first LRIP lot will deliver 13 aircraft in
FY25 and the second LRIP lot will deliver 7 aircraft in FY26.

23
CV-22
The CV-22 is the Air Force variant of the joint V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft. It allows for
long-distance, terrain following, vertical lift operations with increased survivability and is the
only high-speed vertical lift platform in the Air Force inventory. The Air Force lost eight Airmen
in a CV-22 Osprey mishap on November 29, 2023, off the shore of Yakushima, Japan. In
response, Lieutenant General Tony Bauernfeind, Air Force Special Operations Commander,
convened safety and aircraft investigation boards to determine the cause of the mishap and the
tragic loss of life. On December 6, 2023, Lieutenant General Bauernfeind directed an operational
stand-down of the Air Force CV-22 aircraft to mitigate risk during the mishap investigation. It
has been determined that a materiel failure of a component led to the mishap. Furthermore,
information from the Air Force Safety Investigation Board and an evaluation of historical data
from over 750,000 V-22 flight hours identified the need for additional maintenance and
procedural controls to mitigate risk. Institution of these controls and a safety focused, multi-
phased approach for maintainers, aircrew, and aircraft enabled a return to flight authorization on
March 8, 2024. Full operational capability of the CV-22 is expected in summer 2024. The FY25
PB requests $84.8M to continue development and modifications to increase CV-22 fleet
reliability, capability, and survivability. Investments in these areas will ensure the CV-22 fleet
remains ready, reliable, and relevant in the future. Notable investments include the Block 20
Mission Computer Obsolescence Initiative to replace older mission computers and upgrades
several avionics systems. Additionally, investments in Nacelle Improvement include redesigned
wiring and structural improvements of the nacelles designed to increase aircraft availability by
over 5%.

Trainers

T-1, T-6, and T-38

The Air Force is continuing investment efforts in its legacy trainer platforms, including
critical modernization programs for the T-6 and T-38 fleets. The T-1A FY25 PB request of
$0.133M in procurement funds low-cost modification efforts of the T-1A. The divestment of the
T-1A fleet resumed on April 15, 2024, following SecAF certification of the Pilot Training
curriculum in accordance with the FY24 NDAA. Training of future Mobility pilots and Combat

24
System Operators, currently being conducted in the T-1A Aircraft, will be accomplished in
simulators.

The T-6 FY25 PB request of $130.2M in procurement and $38.6M in RDT&E supports
the procurement of Crash Survivable Recorders and the continued development of Avionics
Replacement Program (ARP). In FY25, the T-6 will begin a major ARP to address DMSMS for
critical avionics issues.

Continued investments are also required for the modification and sustainment of the T-38
fleet until the T-7A becomes operational. Programs include avionics updates, and structural life
extension programs such as Pacer Classic III, and the Talon Repair, Inspections, Maintenance
program. The T-38 FY25 PB requests $115.5M in procurement to support the procurement of
kits that will update the T-38 avionics and extend the structural life of the T-38.

T-7A
The T-7A aircraft and simulators will fill training capability gaps for fourth- and fifth-
generation fighter aircraft by replacing T-38C aircraft and simulators used in the advanced
fighter/bomber track of Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, Introduction to Fighter
Fundamentals, Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training, and Pilot Instructor Training. On September
27, 2018, a $9.2B fixed price contract was awarded to the Boeing Company, providing for the
anticipated delivery of 351 aircraft, 46 associated training devices, and other ancillary supplies
and service. The first T-7A aircraft and simulators are scheduled to arrive at Joint Base San
Antonio-Randolph (JBSAR) in 2025. All undergraduate pilot training bases will eventually
transition from the T-38 to the T-7A. The combination of digital engineering and early
prototyping enabled the T-7A program to identify and resolve unfavorable control and handling
characteristics at the early stages of development. The utilization of Boeing owned T-7
prototypes has supported the Advanced Pilot Training acquisition schedule.

The Air Force and Boeing have made significant progress in resolving the egress system
and flight control law issues that led to the delay of Milestone C from FY23 to FY25. Numerous
studies and redesign have led to the increased safety of the egress system and refinement of the
flight control software. The program will validate the design changes by conducting a total of 22

25
test shots. The Air Force and Boeing will continue to work together to ensure the timely
resolution of issues as the T-7A progresses through the EMD phase.

First Flight of the T-7A occurred on June 28, 2023 at the Boeing facility in St Louis,
Missouri. The Air Force accepted its first EMD aircraft (APT002) on September 15, 2023 and
conducted its first flight test on December 20, 2023 at Edwards AFB. Since its first flight tests,
APT002 has conducted multiple flutter flight tests. Additionally, APT003 has completed initial
climatic tests at Eglin AFB. Boeing has also delivered APT001 and it will conduct loads test at
Edwards AFB. Finally, in mid FY24, the program will conduct critical High Angle of Attack
(HAA) flight tests using Boeing-owned prototypes to validate design refinements to its flight
control software. Boeing is expected to deliver the final two EMD aircraft by the end of the
second quarter of FY24.

The FY25 PB request of $83.8M in RDT&E funds the testing and development of the
EMD aircrafts and Ground Based Training Systems (GBTS). Additionally, the FY25 PB request
of $277.8M in procurement funds the first seven LRIP aircraft, associated spares and GBTS
devices. The Air Force remains focused on working with Boeing to enable the T-7A program to
achieve Milestone C.

Command and Control

E-7A Wedgetail
FY25 PB includes $418.5M to continue rapid prototyping of the first 2 E-7 aircraft in
support of a production decision in FY26. To support Joint and coalition forces, the Air Force
must provide a mix of space and airborne sensors and decision support capabilities for
Command and Control (C2) and Airborne Moving Target Indicator (AMTI) in the air domain.
AMTI investment is essential to countering advanced and emerging air threats fielded or in
development by adversaries. While the E-3 lacks the capability to support high end operations
and cannot be modified to close existing Airborne C2 and AMTI capability gaps, the Air Force
is committed to sustaining and maintaining the remaining 16 AWACS to be operationally
ready.
Boeing’s proposal for the Rapid Prototyping Program (RPP) was much higher than
expected, so the Air Force is evaluating courses of action to determine the best way forward.

26
At this time, Air Force’s primary focus is working with Boeing to get the E-7 platform to a
level of affordability the Service can prudently pursue and to successfully demonstrate the
Rapid Prototyping phase of the program. OSD and the Air Force have worked to rephase
planned production decisions and funding to support RPP contract negotiations and
definitization efforts.
The United States Air Force, the Royal Air Force, and the Royal Australian Air Force
are committed to collaborating on E-7 programs for mutual benefit through cooperative
capability development, evaluation and testing, interoperability, sustainment, operations,
training, and safety.

E-3 AWACS
The E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft continues to be a
worldwide integrated battle management command and control (BMC2) surveillance, target
detection, and tracking platform. The aircraft has been in service since the mid-1970s. Due to
its age and sustainability issues, the E-3 AWACS has become increasingly expensive to
support. It also lacks sufficient capability and capacity to operate in a near-peer conflict to
meet Combatant Commander needs. Divesting part of the fleet will temporarily improve
sustainability by adding high demand-low availability parts back into the supply chain. As part
of the previous FY23 and FY24 PBs, the Air Force divested a total of 15 AWACS aircraft,
leaving a total of 16 aircraft to remain operational until its replacement, the E-7 Wedgetail, is
delivered to the warfighter.
The FY25 PB requests $68.2M in procurement to complete final modifications
necessary to meet system operational mandates and address diminishing manufacturing
sources as part of our commitment to ensuring E-3 AWACS mission readiness.

Electronic Warfare

EA-37B Compass Call

Compass Call is the DAF’s only wide-area, standoff, Airborne Electromagnetic Attack
(AEA) Command and Control Warfare/Information Operations weapon system. The Compass
Call program is currently undergoing a re-host effort to transition the capability from the EC-
130H to the EA-37B in order to maintain U.S. Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) superiority in
27
future conflicts. The EC-37B was redesignated to become the EA-37B, which better identifies
the platform’s mission of offensive electromagnetic attack. The Air Force greatly appreciates
the ongoing Congressional support to the Compass Call program. To date, ten EA-37B aircraft
have been procured and are at various stages of modification, with limited fielding for training
only in mid-FY25, and initial operational fielding in late FY25.

With the FY25 PB, the Air Force will be focused on completing Developmental and
Operational Test for the rehosted EA-37B capability, as well as furthering development of the
mission system upgrade for fielding System Wide Open Reconfigurable Dynamic Architecture
(SWORD-A) capabilities. The open and agile architecture of SWORD-A will enable a more
rapid response capability against emerging threats and will be the foundation for future
baseline upgrades.

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance

MQ-9
The FY25 PB of $19.5M aimed at providing needed capabilities to the Combatant
Commands. To date, the MQ-9 fleet has flown over 3 million hours, with the vast majority of
those hours supporting combat operations.
The Air Force will finalize the transfer of the remaining 6 of 10 Block 5 aircraft to the
Marine Corps. The Air Force will remove high time Block 5 aircraft in FY27. The AF has
enough Block 5 aircraft to maintain current operations through the end of the FYDP.

RQ-4 Global Hawk

FY25 PB request focuses on maintaining the nine-airplane fleet, Multi-Platform Radar

Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) sensor, and ground systems at a minimum viable level
until divestment. The Global Hawk will divest when replacement capabilities are available, a
change from the FY24 PB request in which divestiture was scheduled for FY27.

The FY25 PB requests $9.5M in RDT&E to support ongoing engineering and logistics
effort for all Global Hawk projects required for sustainment.

28
DAF BATTLE NETWORK
DAF Program Executive Officer for Command, Control, Communications, and Battle
Management (DAF PEO C3BM) is the acquisition lead alongside the Advanced Battle
Management System (ABMS) Cross-Functional Team which is the operational lead for the
development of the DAF BATTLE NETWORK, which aligns USAF and USSF command,
control, and communications (C3) capabilities across 50+ core programs to fuse sensors,
effectors, and sustainment grids for decisional advantage. The Advanced Battle Management
System (ABMS) is the budget Program Element which funds key architecture development,
software and applications, digital infrastructure, and aerial networking capabilities to the
integration of C2 capabilities as part of DAF BATTLE NETWORK.
The FY25 PB requests $743.8M within the ABMS PE to support the continued
development of the DAF BATTLE NETWORK architecture and enabling infrastructure. It
allows for the additional development of a DAF architecture and analysis for relevant contested
air, space and maritime mission threads. It also enables the design, testing and initial deployment
of digital infrastructure to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. European Command, and U.S.
Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) delivered through five programs of record spanning the
development of a software-defined wide area network, deployable, mobile and fixed digital
infrastructure, and deployable systems.
Additionally, the FY25 PB request supports the continued development of key Command
and Control (C2) software programs, including Cloud-Based C2 (CBC2) which is currently
delivering capability for homeland defense to North American Aerospace Defense
Command/USNORTHCOM, and two additional programs focused on the development of a
common user interface for battle management command and control (BMC2) and sensor
orchestration.
Finally, the FY25 PB request supports continued development of aerial networking
capabilities through the Phalanx Griffon program, which will develop the technical framework to
expand airborne edge networking capabilities to deliver both data and internet protocol routing
between tactical aircraft and the DAF BATTLE NETWORK. These investments in FY25 will
enable broader fielding of C3 capabilities in FY26 and beyond.

29
Conclusion
Thank you again for the opportunity to testify. We look forward to working with this
subcommittee to ensure the Department of the Air Force maintains the necessary military
advantage to secure our vital national interests and support our allies and partners in 2025 and
beyond.

30