Cryptographic Modernization 2 (CM2)
The Department of the Air Force (DAF) Cryptographic Modernization 2 (CM2) effort modernizes cryptographic devices protecting critical national security information across multi-domain operations. This DAF effort supports an integrated effort across the cyber domain to transform to next-generation cryptographic capabilities. It provides U.S. forces and multinational and interagency partners the multi-domain security needed to protect the flow and exchange of strategic, operational, and tactical information in accordance with national and international policy/standards, and the validated requirements of decision makers, warfighters, and the intelligence community. CM2 modernization is required by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Notice (CJCSN) 6510 and National Security Agency (NSA) Decertification Messages (CED-31-15/037-21/032-16) from FY 2023 for the need to add Quantum Resilience (QR) to the existing high assurance cryptographic products. This effort will allow protection against advanced & evolving quantum computing threats. All existing crypto devices will be vulnerable and must be modernized to be quantum resilient. The CM2 effort is a holistic DAF-wide modern cryptographic strategy to provide long-term, evolving protection of Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3), Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR), Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), Key Management Enterprise (KME), and nearly all DAF platforms, ground and space networks. CM2 will provide the required enhanced security for all DAF voice, data, and video capabilities on the battlefield and throughout the Department of War (DoW) enterprise. In addition to the development /modernization of the devices, this effort requires studies, proof of concepts, and prototype efforts to accurately address the evolving quantum computing threats in the near future and ramp up efforts accordingly. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program's funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element (PE) 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, or 0605898F. In FY 2025 $3.214 million was expended for civilian pay expenses in this PE, and in FY 2026 $4.279 million is forecast for civilian pay expenses in this PE.
FY2027 planned work - Will publish an initial High Assurance modular open systems architecture for crypto to be leveraged by DoW enterprise solutions. - Will initiate the development of a Quantum Resilient (QR) solution that will enable secure data for Small Form Factor (SFF) Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWAP-C) constrained devices operating at the tactical edge. - Will continue development contracts work with NSA for incorporating quantum resilience and implementation of emerging algorithms and crypto key management standards for Network Enabled Weapons, Beyond Line-of-Sight Comms, and Tactical Communications. - Will continue activities to operationalize and enable future NSA required all-black secure key…
FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding increased due to contract award for the modernization of the High Assurance encryption device for the tactical edge.
FY2026 plans — current year - Continue development for publication of an initial High Assurance modular open systems architecture for crypto to be leveraged by Department of War (DoW) enterprise solutions. - Continue to work with National Security Agency (NSA) on implementation of new algorithms and crypto key management standards to share with the defense industrial base for Cryptographic Modernization 2 (CM2) efforts. - Continue development of unified, interoperable architecture for at-scale "black key" delivery by assessing and converging roadmaps, capabilities, and operational plans of key management efforts across the DoW to identify alignment, timelines, and deployment challenges. - Continue to further enable…
FY2027 planned work - Will continue to develop Quantum Resilient solutions and modular open systems architectures with Industry to accelerate crypto modernization development and integration for weapon systems/mission systems. - Will continue to partner with key DoW stakeholders and Industry partners to develop, publish, and prototype modular standards and develop modular solutions for agile, interoperable, modular high assurance cryptography. - Will continue fielding efforts to operationalize new NSA required key management and distribution capabilities across the enterprise. - Will continue to work across all commands to ensure the DAF is implementing enterprise crypto solutions to reduce logistical…
FY2026 plans — current year - Continue to develop Quantum Resilient solutions and modular open systems architectures with Industry to accelerate crypto modernization development and integration for weapon systems/mission systems. - Continue to work across all commands to ensure the Department of the Air Force (DAF) is implementing enterprise crypto solutions to reduce logistical footprints and sustainment costs. - Continue to conduct in-depth, threat-driven analyses of critical DAF crypto capabilities, to include reliance on Joint Service crypto development roadmaps and Allied partner capability for mission readiness, DAF prioritization and resourcing. - Continue to partner with key Department of War (DoW)…
- Will work towards FY 2027 Asset Management & Accountability to include improving CCI search functions, CCI Chain of Custody and history, and full tracking of CCI In-Transit Visibility data. - Will explore enterprise monitoring of Secure Communications Interoperability Protocol devices and other CCI assets outside of High Assurance…
Read the FY2027 plan →- Will continue development on the RRK-NG program and the implementation of the NSA mandated Security Evaluation Requirements Document (SERD 2.0) update. - Will complete Preliminary Design Review (PDR). - Will deliver Production Representative Engineering Design Models (PREDMS). - Will conduct Test Readiness Review (TRR).
Read the FY2027 plan →FY2027 planned work KSV-270 Single-channel Inline Media Encryptor - Will be in Production. KSV-271 Multi-channel Inline Media Encryptor - Will continue to execute SERD 2.0 requirements and meet development milestones. - Will execute Security Requirement Review (SRR) and Preliminary Design Review (PDR).
FY2026 to FY2027 change Funding decreased due to completion of KSV-270 Single-channel Inline Media Encryptor development effort and transition to production phase. Remaining funds planned for KSV-271 Multi-channel Inline Media Encryptor effort.
FY2026 plans — current year KSV-270 Single-channel Inline Media Encryptor - Deliver Production Representative Engineering Design Models and complete four-year development effort. - Complete NSA High Assurance Certified design. - Deliver final Digital Engineering Models/Artifacts. - Transition from Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) to production - Award Production Delivery Order #1. KSV-271 Multi-channel Inline Media Encryptor - Secured Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management external funding to implement SERD 2.0 requirements to restart the planned development effort. - Implement SERD 2.0 requirements as mandated by NSA.
FY2027 planned work IFF Mode 5 device KIV-78A - Will be in Production. IFF Mode 5 device KIV-77A - Award development contract in FY 2027 third quarter.
FY2026 to FY2027 change Increase of funding in FY 2027 is expected for KIV-77A development contract award.
FY2026 plans — current year IFF Mode 5 device KIV-78A - Complete Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) effort, transition into production phase. IFF Mode 5 device KIV-77A - Complete pre-contract award activities.
KGV-363 - Will continue development of Crypto Module with SERD 2.0 implementation, required for NSA. - Will complete milestones under SERD 2.0: Critical Design Review (CDR), Test Readiness Review (TRR). KG-333 - Will continue development of Crypto Host with SERD 2.0 implementation, required for NSA. - Will complete milestones under…
Read the FY2027 plan →- Will perform the test phase of the development program of the KG-210 GOE combining space and terrestrial communications capabilities into single device to seamlessly connect the space and terrestrial networks at all space operations centers. - Will start the development of the Cryptographic Modernization 2 (CM2) effort for the Advanced…
Read the FY2027 plan →