Peraton has secured a new prototype contract from the U.S. Air Force aimed at advancing cyber defense capabilities for Mission Defense Teams (MDTs). The effort focuses on safeguarding critical command and control (C2) systems against sophisticated cyber threats through advanced detection and response technologies.
Contract Overview and Strategic Objectives
On May 29, 2024, Peraton announced it had been awarded a prototype Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) by the Department of the Air Force’s Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management (DAF PEO C3BM). The contract is part of the broader Cyber Resiliency for Weapon Systems (CROWS) program and is intended to enhance the operational effectiveness of MDTs tasked with defending USAF weapon systems from cyber intrusions.
The financial terms were not disclosed publicly, but OTA contracts typically allow rapid prototyping with flexible acquisition rules outside traditional Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) constraints. This model supports agile development cycles crucial for evolving cyber threats.
Mission Defense Teams and Their Role in Cyber Operations
Mission Defense Teams are specialized U.S. Air Force units embedded within operational wings to defend mission-critical assets such as aircraft platforms and C2 networks. These teams operate at the tactical edge and are responsible for detecting anomalies, responding to incidents in real time, and maintaining system integrity during operations.
The MDT concept emerged from lessons learned during early phases of the Department of Defense’s push toward resilient warfighting networks under contested conditions. As adversaries increasingly target digital attack surfaces—particularly those associated with airborne platforms like AWACS or strategic bombers—MDTs serve as frontline defenders bridging operational technology (OT) with cybersecurity disciplines.
Prototype Capabilities: From Detection to Response
The Peraton-developed prototype will focus on enhancing several key functional areas:
- Real-time threat detection: Leveraging machine learning algorithms to identify anomalous behavior within weapon system networks.
- Automated incident response: Enabling MDTs to execute predefined countermeasures without delay during active engagements.
- Data fusion & visualization: Integrating telemetry from multiple subsystems into a unified dashboard tailored for MDT workflows.
- Zero Trust principles: Embedding identity-based access controls across communications pathways within weapon platforms.
This aligns with broader Department of Defense cybersecurity modernization efforts—including implementation of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) mandates by FY2027—and supports operational continuity even under degraded or denied environments.
CROWS Program Context and Industry Partnerships
The CROWS initiative was launched by the U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center to improve survivability of weapon systems through embedded cybersecurity measures across their lifecycle—from design through sustainment. It complements other programs such as the Platform One DevSecOps initiative and Unified Platform under U.S. Cyber Command’s Joint Cyber Warfighting Architecture (JCWA).
This latest award builds on Peraton’s existing portfolio supporting national security customers with cyber operations services—including work for U.S. Cyber Command’s CNMF (Cyber National Mission Force), NSA defensive missions, and space-based ISR platforms. The company has also supported previous OTA efforts focused on electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO) integration into tactical edge environments.
Tactical Implications for Future Conflicts
The increasing reliance on software-defined capabilities in modern airpower—ranging from avionics suites to datalink protocols—has expanded the attack surface available to peer adversaries like China or Russia. MDTs equipped with advanced detection-response tools can help mitigate risks posed by malware implants or supply chain compromises targeting mission-critical functions such as targeting pods or navigation systems.
This capability is particularly vital in scenarios involving contested airspace where GPS jamming/spoofing or electronic warfare effects may already degrade situational awareness. By enabling faster remediation cycles at the tactical level without relying solely on centralized SOCs (Security Operations Centers), Peraton’s solution may help preserve combat effectiveness under duress.
Next Steps and Evaluation Pathway
The current OTA covers only prototyping; however, successful demonstration could lead to follow-on production contracts under Middle Tier Acquisition pathways or other rapid fielding mechanisms authorized by Congress via NDAA provisions. Evaluation will likely include lab-based testing followed by limited user assessments at operational wings hosting MDT units—potentially including ACC (Air Combat Command) installations like Langley AFB or PACAF locations in Indo-Pacific theaters.
If validated in field conditions, this technology could scale across multiple USAF platforms including E-3G Sentry AWACS replacements under ABMS architecture or B-21 Raider stealth bomber squadrons once fielded later this decade.
A Broader Trend Toward Embedded Cyber Resilience
This award reflects a growing trend within DoD acquisition strategy emphasizing “cyber survivability by design” rather than bolt-on solutions post-deployment. With adversaries investing heavily in offensive cyber capabilities—including AI-driven intrusion tools—the imperative is clear: defense must be proactive, adaptive, and embedded into every layer of military capability development.
As Pentagon leaders continue pushing toward Joint All-Domain Command & Control (JADC2) frameworks reliant on seamless data exchange between sensors and shooters across domains, ensuring that these links are resilient against compromise becomes not just a technical requirement—but an operational necessity.
