Air Force Cyber Directorate Accelerates Modernization and Tactical Comms Overhaul
The U.S. Air Force's Warfighter Communications and Cyber Systems directorate is dismantling rigid five-year acquisition cycles, deploying lightweight communications packages, and revitalizing enterprise networks to support Agile Combat Employment.
The U.S. Air Force’s Warfighter Communications and Cyber Systems directorate is accelerating efforts to dismantle slow, traditional defense acquisition cycles in favor of rapidly fieldable tactical comms and resilient network infrastructure. Led by Brig. Gen. Jeffrey A. Phillips, the directorate—separated from the intelligence directorate to focus exclusively on frontline command and control—is tackling outdated procurement models that deliver obsolete technology to warfighters. Phillips’ top priority centers on delivering adaptable capabilities at operational speeds required for high-end conflicts.
At the tactical edge, this strategic pivot directly supports Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts by drastically reducing logistics footprints. The Air Force is retiring its legacy Flexible Communication Package (FCP)—a massive footprint requiring 10 aircraft pallet positions, 20 short tons of equipment, and 40 personnel—in favor of streamlined systems like the Agile Communications Package (ACP) and Fly-Away Communications Terminals (FACT). These agile, modular deployable comms kits ensure expeditionary units can establish high-bandwidth, secure connectivity across distributed airfields without encumbering strategic airlift assets.
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