# Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network (MEECN) — Program Element 0303131F

**Program element:** 0303131F  
**Component:** U.S. Air Force  
**Appropriation:** 3600 — RDT&E, Air Force  
**Budget Activity:** 7 — Operational System Development  
**Vintage:** President's Budget PB2027  
**Canonical URL:** https://hitchintel.com/programs/0303131F

## Summary

U.S. Air Force funding ramps 159% to a $254.8M request in FY2027, sustained across the five-year plan. In the FY2027 defense authorization, the House funded it in full; the Senate funded it in full; House appropriators cut 31% (to $176.7M). RTX / Raytheon leads the industry work.

## Funding profile

| Fiscal Year | Estimate Type | Amount ($M) |
|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | Actual | 24.8 |
| FY2026 | Enacted | 98.5 |
| FY2027 | Request | 254.8 |
| FY2028 | Outyear | 368.5 |
| FY2029 | Outyear | 402.9 |
| FY2030 | Outyear | 413.9 |
| FY2031 | Outyear | 296.8 |

> Estimate types are not summed — the profile mixes actuals, enacted law, the request, and outyear projections.

## Congressional marks (FY2027)

| Stage | Marked ($M) | Change ($M) |
|---|---|---|
| Request | 254.8 | — |
| House NDAA (HASC) | 254.8 | +0.0 |
| Senate NDAA (SASC) | 254.8 | +0.0 |
| House Approps (HAC-D) | 176.7 | −78.1 |

> FY2027 NDAA authorization marks, as of 2026-07-27. Not appropriations or final law.

## Projects (9)

| Project | Title | FY2025 actual | FY2026 enacted | FY2027 request | Move |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 673040 | Force Element Terminal | 0.0 | 66.7 | 81.3 | +22% |
| 676030 | Global ASNT Inc 2 | 11.4 | 13.0 | 49.4 | +281% |
| 672835 | Common VLF/LF Receiver Inc 2 | 12.3 | 17.8 | 47.7 | +168% |
| 672490 | FAB-T CPT | 0.0 | 0.0 | 31.0 | new start |
| 676029 | Global Aircrew Strategic Network Terminal | 0.0 | 0.0 | 18.0 | new start |
| 673041 | ICBM MEECN Terminals (IMT) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 15.8 | new start |
| 674609 | Minuteman MEECN Program - Service Life Extension Program (MMP-SLEP) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 11.4 | new start |
| 673035 | Presidential and National Voice Conferencing | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | new start |
| 672832 | MEECN System Improvements | 1.1 | 1.1 | 0.0 | −99% |

> Projects are the summable leaves: the program element total is their sum, never added to it.

### Project 673040 — Force Element Terminal

The Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T) Force Element Terminal (FET) program is not a New Start in FY 2026. FAB-T FET was transferred from Space Force (PE 1203001SF / Project 673040 / Appropriation 3620 / Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation) to Air Force (PE 0303131F / Project 673040 / Appropriation 3600 / Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation), Transfer Memo signed 12 Nov 2024. The FAB-T FET program replaces the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Milstar terminal and provides secure, protected, and survivable communications for the strategic warfighter through airborne-based Military Satellite Communication (MILSATCOM) terminals. The FAB-T FET will provide worldwide nuclear and non-nuclear, survivable, anti-jam Low Probability of Detect (LPD)/ Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) data. The FAB-T FET will be interoperable with Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF), Enhanced Polar Systems - Recapitalization (EPS-R), and Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) satellite constellations and will be installed on the B-52 aircraft (threshold). FAB-T FET was designated as a Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) in February 2019 and in January 2026 was designated as a Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) with closure of the MTA program. This program element included all necessary expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, and 0605898F.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** RTX / Raytheon (65.4, 80%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAB-T FET | 0.0 | 66.7 | 81.3 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 676030 — Global ASNT Inc 2

Global Aircrew Strategic Network Terminal Increment 2 (Inc 2) replaces aging legacy strategic communications equipment at bomber and tanker Wing Command Posts (WCPs), Nuclear Task Forces, Munitions Support Squadrons (MUNSS), and Mobile Support Teams (MSTs). Global ASNT Inc 2 is a ground-based system that will provide survivable, secure communication paths to disseminate Emergency Action Messages (EAMs) to bomber and tanker aircrews. Global ASNT Inc 2 is being fielded in 2 separate capability incremental blocks; both blocks are High-Altitude Electro-Magnetic Pulse (HEMP) and Radiation Hazard (RADHAZ) protected. Global ASNT Inc 2 Block 1 delivers a replacement Aircrew Alerting System (AAS) consisting of Ultra High Frequency (UHF) personal and general alerting equipment replacing Electromagnetic Pulse Hardened Dispersal Communication (EHDC) and Aircrew Alerting Communications Electromagnetic Pulse (AACE) systems. Global ASNT Inc 2 Block 2 provides High Frequency (HF) Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) capabilities for fixed ground and transportable units to communicate with bomber and tanker aircraft, and emerging NC3 platforms out of range of Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Line of Sight (LOS). Air Force Global Strike Command approved a requirements document in December 2023 for Global ASNT Inc 2 Block 2. This program element may include necessary revised Security Classification Guide (SCG) implementation activities. This program element included all necessary expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, and 0605898F.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** General Dynamics (9.3, 19%), 96 TW (1.8, 3.7%), Booz Allen (0.4, 0.8%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global ASNT Inc 2 | 11.4 | 13.0 | 49.4 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 672835 — Common VLF/LF Receiver Inc 2

The Common Very Low Frequency/Low Frequency (VLF/LF) Receiver (CVR) Increment 2 (CVRi2) Program will develop and produce a modular open systems approach (MOSA), Cryptographic Modernization 2.0 (CM-2), New VLF Waveform (WF) compliant advanced VLF/LF receiver for all ground and airborne NC3 platforms. As the USAF VLF receiver integrator, the VLF Enterprise Program Office (VLF EPO) will continue to be responsible for VLF receiver sustainment, to include configuration management of the CVR Increment 1 (CVRi1) materiel solution (KGR-72) and sustainment of legacy receivers, while also providing management support to the B-52 VLF Modernization Program for its procurement and production of the directed VLF receiver (KGR-72). The VLF EPO will provide management and engineering support for VLF receiver requirements across legacy and emerging NC3 platforms. This program element included all necessary expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, and 0605898F.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** Cost (2.3, 4.9%), 96th Test Wing (0.5, 1.1%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVR Inc 2 | 12.3 | 17.8 | 47.7 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 672490 — FAB-T CPT

The Family of Advanced Beyond Line-of-Sight Terminals (FAB-T) Command Post Terminal (CPT) program was transferred from Space Force (Program 1203001SF / Project 672490 / Appropriation 3620 / Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation) to Air Force (Program 0303131F / Project 672490 / Appropriation 3600 / Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation), Transfer Memo. The FAB-T CPT project replaces legacy Milstar (AFCPT) terminals and will provide Extremely High Frequency (EHF) protected high data rate communication for nuclear and conventional forces to include Presidential and National Voice Conferencing (PNVC). FAB-T CPT will provide this new, highly secure, state-of-the-art capability for Department of War (DoW) platforms to include strategic platforms and airborne/ground command posts via Advanced EHF (AEHF) and Evolved Strategic Satellite Communications (ESS) satellite constellations. FAB-T CPTs will also support the critical command and control (C2) of the AEHF and ESS satellite constellations. The Department of the Air Force (DAF) will continue development of the FAB-T CPT, performing systems engineering, architecture studies, development and operational test efforts, terminal interoperability with the full AEHF satellite constellation activities, and other program activities to meet current and future emerging Satellite Communication (SATCOM) requirements. This program element included all necessary expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, and 0605898F.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** RTX / Raytheon (31.0, 100%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAB-T CPT Production Restart and Modification | — | 0.0 | 31.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 676029 — Global Aircrew Strategic Network Terminal

Global Aircrew Strategic Network Terminal Increment 1 (Global ASNT Inc 1) system replaces inadequate, unsustainable strategic communications equipment at bomber and tanker Wing Command Posts (WCPs), Munitions Support Squadrons (MUNSS), and Mobile Support Teams (MSTs). The system supports Nuclear Response CONOPS to produce operational outcomes supporting Global Force Management, Global Defense, Information Transport, Information Assurance, and Space Force operations. Global ASNT Inc 1 systems provide 24 hours, 7 days per week survivable, redundant communication links for the Command and Control of Nuclear Task Forces (NTF) by the President through the National Military Command System, with advice from the Secretary of War, Combatant Commanders, and associated senior leadership. To ensure interoperability with the Evolved Strategic Satellite Communication system, the Global ASNT Inc 1 system needs to modernize its hardware and software suite to enable continued protected survivable communications services with high availability receipt and relay of Emergency Action Messages at United States Air Force NTF, WCPs, MUNSS, and MST. Additionally, the Global ASNT Inc 1 system must continue to operate and survive during all phases of chemical, biological, and radiological conflicts or incidents. This program element included all necessary expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, and 0605898F.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** RTX / Raytheon (12.1, 67%), NSA, Maryland (0.2, 1.1%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global ASNT Inc 1 Modernization | 0.0 | — | 18.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 673041 — ICBM MEECN Terminals (IMT)

ICBM MEECN Terminal (IMT) will provide resilient Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications capabilities for the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Forces. IMT will deliver an integrated NC3 suite which includes Extremely High Frequency (EHF) capabilities and an open architecture-based framework. This framework will enable faster and extensible capabilities integration and upgrades for other communication pathways. IMT will integrate the Common Very Low Frequency (VLF) Receiver (CVR). For ICBM risk reduction, IMT will prepare for integration with ICBM weapon systems. This program element included all necessary expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, and 0605898F.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICBM MEECN Terminal (IMT) | — | 0.0 | 15.8 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 674609 — Minuteman MEECN Program - Service Life Extension Program (MMP-SLEP)

The Minuteman Minimum Essential Emergency Communication Network (MEECN) Program (MMP) Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) will enable the legacy MMP System that is beyond end-of-life to continue to provide Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Forces with a survivable link for reception of Emergency Action Messages (EAMs) from the President and Secretary of War (SECWAR). MMP is a Command and Control (C2) system directly supporting the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the National Command Center and the Strategic Nuclear Command Centers. MMP provides super high-frequency (SHF) down-link/extremely high-frequency (EHF) up-link and very low-frequency (VLF)/low-frequency (LF) messaging support for Minuteman III ICBM Launch Control Centers (LCCs). The MMP SLEP is needed to support the Minuteman III weapon system, beyond its expected service life of 2030. The significant delay to the Sentinel requires life extension program of the current Minuteman III system, and subsystems that include MMP. Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) have resulted in spare parts being in short supply. Without a SLEP, access to MMP spare parts will become increasing difficult, resulting in extended system downtime and high repair costs. The MMP operational availability will continue to decrease, and future modifications will not be addressed creating a significant gap in capability, further reducing our nation's nuclear deterrence. This program element included all necessary expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, and 0605898F.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** RTX / Raytheon (8.0, 70%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MMP SLEP | — | 0.0 | 11.4 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 673035 — Presidential and National Voice Conferencing

The Presidential and National Voice Conferencing (PNVC) Integrator program was transferred from Space Force (Program 1203001SF / Project 673035 / Appropriation 3620 / Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation) to Air Force (Program 0303131F / Project 673035 / Appropriation 3600 / Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation), Transfer Memo. The Presidential and National Voice Conferencing (PNVC) Integrator project is a critical element of the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) System. PNVC integrator replaces the Survivable Emergency Conferencing Network (SECN) capability, and will provide anti-jam, anti-scintillation, survivable, and enduring voice communications via Milstar, Advanced EHF, and ESS satellite constellations for national and strategic users. There are several components being developed, procured and updated by other organizations that must be synchronized to expeditiously field this capability. The PNVC Integrator is responsible for end-to-end integration of these components, to include requirements traceability, end-to-end system testing, configuration and checkout activities, training and technical manuals, network transition support, identification of deficiencies in overall PNVC system capability, enterprise, and life cycle support for PNVC components. The AFPEO/SP approved entry into the acquisition life-cycle as a post MS-A Acquisition Category (ACAT) III Program of Record in January 2016. In March 2019 the AFPEO/NC3 declared the PNVC Integrator an ACAT II Program based on updated approved budget request. Starting in December 2018, PNVC Integrator became responsible for the funding requests of all program elements related to the Defense Information Systems and Agency (DISA) components of the PNVC System in accordance with FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act, Sec. 1661. In October 2021, PNVC completed Milestone B/C. This program element included all necessary expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, and 0605898F.

**Named R-3 performers** (share of this project's FY2027 R-3 total, so they need not reach 100%)**:** RTX / Raytheon (0.3, 100%).

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PNVC Integrator | — | — | 0.3 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 672832 — MEECN System Improvements

MSI is a long-range planning effort with users [Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), Air Combat Command (ACC), United States Space Force (USSF), Air Mobility Command (AMC), Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), US Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), and the US Navy] to monitor and assess the performance of existing NC3 systems and develop recommendations for strategic and tactical architecture upgrades, requirements, and issues based on available and emerging technologies. MSI is used to conduct technology testing; model performance; analyze technology strategies; conduct requirement trade space analyses, technology maturation and risk reduction efforts, mission analysis; and build technology Roadmaps as proactive support to the NC3 community. MSI performs analysis, integration, and testing activities for the NC3 Weapon System. This program element included all necessary expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, and 0605898F.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEECN System Improvements | 1.1 | 1.1 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

## Where the FY2027 request goes

| Category | Share | $M |
|---|---|---|
| Industry primes | 52% | 131.4 |
| Government labs & warfare centers | 1.9% | 4.7 |
| Other / unspecified | 47% | 118.7 |

**Top named industry performers:** RTX / Raytheon ($116.8M, 46%), General Dynamics ($9.3M, 3.6%).

> R-3 exhibit contract funding, not USAspending obligations.

## Mission & acquisition strategy

Nuclear Deterrence Operations (NDO) is an Air Force Core Function. Within this core function, Nuclear Command and Control (NC2) is the exercise of authority and direction by the President, as Commander in Chief, through established command lines, over nuclear weapon operations of military forces. The President's authority and direction are exercised through the Nuclear Command and Control System (NCCS).

FAB-T FET Acquisition Strategy: Per the Acquisition Strategy Panel briefed to SAF/AQ on February 7, 2019, FAB-T FET pursued a Rapid Prototyping development Middle Tier of Acquisition approach of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2016. This Rapid Prototyping program enabled FAB-T FET to accelerate the nominal program development timeline in support of an accelerated USSTRATCOM-requested Initial Operating Capability. FAB-T FET awarded a development effort on January 16, 2020, to develop, build, and test prototypes and test terminals. This Rapid Prototyping effort enabled FAB-T FET to develop, install, and obtain test data from early B-52 FAB-T FET prototypes which will also have residual operations capability.

## Related program elements

- [1203001SF — Family of Advanced BLoS Terminals (FAB-T)](https://hitchintel.com/programs/1203001SF) (Space Force)
- [0606018F — NC3 Integration, Assessment, and Improvement](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0606018F) (Air Force)
- [0303131K — Minimum Essential Emergency Communications Network (MEECN)](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0303131K) (Defense-Wide)
- [0605054A — Emerging Technology Initiatives](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0605054A) (Army)

## Source & machine access

- **Source:** FY2027 Department of the Air Force RDT&E Budget Justification, Exhibits R-2/R-3, PE 0303131F (PB PB2027); FY2027 NDAA committee marks (as of 2026-07-27).
- **MCP:** `mcp.hitchintel.com` — `budget_get_program_element(pe="0303131F")`.

*HitchAI is an independent intelligence service, not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense. Budget figures are requests/estimates, not obligations.*