Air Force launches program to modernize Air Operations Centers
The Air Force has initiated a new effort to upgrade its central command-and-control systems with new capabilities, including artificial intelligence and enhanced data fusion.
The service’s software factory, known as Kessel Run, will soon kick off the Next-Generation Air Operations Center (AOC) Weapon System program to modernize command centers. According to an announcement posted Wednesday, Kessel Run expects to release the first request for information before the end of February and wants to award a contract by June 2027.
The Air Force operates 21 AOCs across the world that support different combatant commands in planning, executing and assessing airborne operations. Also referred to as the AN/USQ-163 Falconer, the “weapon systems” receive and process battlespace data from a range of sources that allow operators to create air tasking orders and carry out missions.
In 2022, SAIC was awarded a $377 million contract to sustain and modernize the AOCs that will conclude in August 2027. Kessel Run has also been incrementally adding software-based upgrades — including the Kessel Run All-Domain Operations Suite (KRADOS) and AppTX — to the Falconer under an effort known as Block 20.
With SAIC’s contract coming to a close, the software factory is now looking to build upon that program’s work and integrate new capabilities into the C2 centers, according to the announcement.
Kessel Run is interested in solutions that will integrate AI and machine learning capabilities to accelerate decision-making; systems that can fuse and visualize data from disparate sources; advanced cybersecurity measures; and cloud-native architectures.
The announcement also noted that the “ever-evolving cyber threat landscape” and “challenge of integrating legacy systems with modern technologies” will present hurdles to the service as it modernizes its AOCs.
The Air Force aims to release a request for proposals in November, according to the tentative schedule. Kessel Run also plans to host technology demonstrations and roundtables with industry throughout the program’s development.
