US Air Force Awards $32.9M Common Modular Software Defined Radio Contract Modification

US Air Force Expands Common Modular Software Defined Radio Program With $32.9M Contract Modification

The US Air Force has awarded a $32,901,795 modification to the Common Modular Software Defined Radio contract, increasing the total program value to $71,811,686.

The award was issued to Integrated Solutions for Systems, based in Huntsville, Alabama. The modification, identified as P00021 under contract FA2488 24 C B001, supports continued development of the Common Modular Software Defined Radio in alignment with the Government Reference Architecture.

The contracting authority is the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Eglin Air Force Base. The award was announced on February 20, 2026.

Contract Scope And Funding Details

Under the modification, work will be performed in Niceville, Florida, with completion expected by May 31, 2028. At the time of award, $1 million in fiscal 2026 research and development funds were obligated.

The prior cumulative contract value stood at $38,909,891. With this action, the total rises to more than $71.8 million. The increase signals continued Air Force investment in modular, software driven communications systems.

While the Department of Defense did not release detailed technical specifications in the award notice, software defined radio programs typically focus on enabling interoperability across platforms, waveforms, and operational environments.

Why The Common Modular Software Defined Radio Matters

The Common Modular Software Defined Radio is part of a broader push within the US Air Force to modernize communications architecture. As operations become more distributed and data driven, radios must handle secure voice, data, and networking functions across air, ground, and joint forces.

A modular architecture allows faster upgrades through software updates rather than full hardware replacement. This approach reduces lifecycle costs and shortens integration timelines for new waveforms and encryption standards.

The Government Reference Architecture framework is designed to standardize interfaces and promote open systems. In practical terms, that means vendors can develop components that plug into a common baseline, reducing vendor lock and increasing competition.

For the Air Force, this is critical as it aligns with ongoing digital engineering and open mission systems initiatives across multiple aircraft and weapons platforms.

Strategic Context

The Air Force has steadily increased funding for resilient communications as part of its broader modernization agenda. According to recent Department of Defense budget documents, investment in advanced networking, electronic warfare resilience, and secure tactical communications remains a priority through the Future Years Defense Program.

Software defined radios are central to enabling Joint All Domain Command and Control, often referred to as JADC2. Although this contract notice does not explicitly reference JADC2, the technical alignment with modular and interoperable systems suggests clear relevance to that effort.

By extending performance through 2028, the Common Modular Software Defined Radio contract ensures continuity in development during a period of rapid change in spectrum operations and contested communications environments.

Industry And Regional Impact

The work in Niceville, Florida, further reinforces the role of the Eglin region as a hub for Air Force acquisition and testing activity. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, headquartered at Eglin AFB, oversees a wide portfolio of armament, avionics, and communications programs.

For Integrated Solutions for Systems, the modification strengthens its position in defense communications engineering. Huntsville remains a major center for missile defense, space, and command and control programs, supported by a dense network of federal and contractor organizations.

Looking Ahead

The Common Modular Software Defined Radio contract reflects a steady, incremental approach to communications modernization rather than a one time procurement spike.

As the Air Force continues to refine its digital backbone, programs like this one provide the building blocks for secure, scalable, and upgradeable systems. The increase to $71.8 million underscores the service’s long term commitment to modular open architecture in tactical communications.

Further contract actions may follow as development milestones are met and integration expands across operational platforms.