Air Force (incl. Space Force) SBIR/STTR topics
29 open or upcoming topics from Air Force (incl. Space Force) (Department of War (DoD)). Next deadline: Oct 21, 2026.
Common technology areas: Autonomy & robotics (11) · Artificial intelligence & machine learning (8) · Sensors & sensing (8) · Data analytics & software (6) · Communications & networking (6) · Space systems (5)
AI/ML for Next Generation of Missile Detection, Warning, Tracking, and Reporting
The purpose of this topic is to address a critical need within the U.S.
Artificial Intelligence Performance Evaluation Tool
The proposed research effort aims to address critical gaps in the evaluation and validation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems within the Air Force by developing an Artificial Intelligence Performance Evaluation Tool.
Automated Combat Assessment at the Edge
Combat assessment (physical and functional) provides tactically relevant information for re-strike and re-planning.
Autonomous On Orbit Logistics and Sustainment Architecture
Space systems today are designed for single use and lack the ability to be maintained, repaired, or resupplied once deployed.
Counter Adversial GPS Jamming
Military and commercial missions rely heavily on the Global Positioning System (GPS), but GPS signals, due to their weak intensity and their need to travel considerable distances, are vulnerable to external interference such as jamming and spoofing.
Cyberspace Warfare for Space
The USSF’s defensive cyber operations mission is focused on the rapid integration of capabilities into the Defensive Cyber Warfare (DCW) pipeline to address unique and complex cybersecurity requirements for space systems.
Flightline Radio Network
Flight line operations at Edwards Air Force Base (AFB) face increasing demands for more efficient, secure, and real-time communication systems to enhance aircraft maintenance, logistics, and operational performance.
Ground and Air Launched Drone Swarms Create a Self-Protecting Perimeter Using Autonomous AI
Mobility Air Forces aircraft serve as the logistical backbone of the Department of War and operate as high-value assets in modern contested environments that can be significantly augmented with enhanced organic self-protection and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities to maintain operational overmatch.
Low Noise & Low-SWaP High-Repetition Rate Mode-Locked Lasers for High-Speed Photonics
Mode-locked semiconductor lasers can support high repetition rates up to 100 GHz due to the high gain and fast gain recovery unlike in fiber lasers or doped dielectric gain medium lasers.
Low SWaP-C Tactical Awareness Payload for Proliferated, Agile Satellites (TAPPAS) for Space Domain Awareness
This D2P2 effort is to develop low Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) technology for an on-board sensing payload to provide local situational awareness.
Low-Cost Multi-Function Ku-Band RF System for Prompt Strike Weapons
Current multifunction radar systems for use onboard various types of small airborne platforms are prohibitively expensive to procure at scale, and this is especially true for systems engineered for use in demanding high subsonic regimes (peak velocity greater than Mach 3 but under Mach 5).
OPEN - Proliferated Low-Altitude Detection for C-sUAS
This DAF focused open topic seeks C-sUAS detect options for transition into the USAF and USSF, specifically supporting AFLCMC/ES and the JIATF 401 marketplace.
Quantum Memory for Secure Communication
The rapid advancement of quantum computing poses a significant challenge to traditional encryption methods, potentially compromising the security of digital communications.
Space Domain Operational Environment Assessment
With the acknowledgement of space as a warfighting domain in 2019, the U.S. Space Command was established as a geographic combatant command.
AI-Enabled Computed Vision Air-to-Air Refueling Performance Assessment and Automated Pilot Debrief System
Air-to-air refueling (AAR) is a critical Department of the Air Force and Department of the Navy capability enabling global mobility, long-range strike, combat airpower projection, and sustained aviation operations.
Advanced Reserve Power Source Technologies
Power source performance in terms of power and energy density is the major objective with affordability, safety, and reliability secondary objectives of Air Force Armament Directorate programs for advanced reserve power sources for weapon systems.
Agile Autonomous Technical Data Package to Path Robotic Task Specification
Here is a draft for a Direct to Phase II SBIR solicitation topic based on the technical capabilities of the data extraction and automated path-planning pipeline.
Agile Wire Harness Manipulation and Installation for Unmanned Aerial Systems
Context & BackgroundModern Department of Defense (DoD) manufacturing and depot sustainment environments increasingly depend on agile automation to scale up production and maintain rapid operational readiness.
Cyber Resiliency for Fog and Edge Computing Devices
This topic is intended for technology proven ready to move directly into a Phase II. Therefore, a Phase I award is not required.
Fusion of Cooperative Information Sharing for Uncrewed Air Systems (FOCISAUS)
Distributed air operations increasingly depend on timely awareness of objects, hazards, and activities beyond the field of view of any individual platform.
High Speed, Low Temperature Hyperspectral Imager for High Enthalpy Ground Testing
AEDC requires a method to resolve temperature and emissivity across the surface of test articles.
Long Rod Delivery System
The lack of a non-destructive, high-precision launching method for high length-to-diameter (L/D) projectiles fundamentally degrades the fidelity of Live Fire Test and Evaluation (LFT&E) data.
Low SWaP, 2-micron Fiber Amplifiers
High-power fiber lasers operating in the 2-micron regime offer critical advantages for defense, medical, and industrial applications, including eye-safer directed energy, advanced sensing, and precision materials processing.
Multiple Telemetry Site Signal Source Synchronization
Flight test missions that traverse multiple Test Ranges (e.g. hypersonic vehicles/weapons, cruise missiles, long-range weapon systems etc.) or that require different test support infrastructures (e.g.
Optimally Packaged Assembly for Laser Systems (OPALS)
The Air Force requires light weight, compactly packaged optical systems to perform critical beam control functions for airborne high energy laser systems.
Reusable Illumination System
The PF300 flash bulbs, that provide high-intensity illumination for high-speed video acquisition, are no longer in production.
Shallow Jet Spurt Engineering Model
This topic seeks the development of a computationally efficient engineering-level model to predict the formation and characteristics of the "spurt" in fluid cavity created jets.
Technical Data Package Modernization for Information Assurance and Secure Data Exchange
Background and Problem Statement: The modernization of Technical Data Packages (TDPs) is imperative to address the Air and Space Force’s operational challenges in securely managing large-scale, complex datasets associated with advanced platforms and their sustainment life cycles.
US Production of Ultra-High Temperature Ceramic-Yielding Preceramic Polymers
The scaled production of C/C-UHTCs composites (UHTCMCs) for defense applications requires the manufacturing of UHTC precursors in quantities sufficient to support acquisition programs.
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