Review of Joint Fires Network program transition

(a) Briefing required (1) In general Not later than February 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, and the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the plans and progress of transitioning the Joint Fires Network initiative to a program of record within the Air Force. (2) Elements The briefing required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) An update on the charter for the program, including organizational relationships between the Air Force program manager, relevant stakeholders supporting developmental efforts, and operational customers of the Joint Fires Network. (B) Details on the funding profile and milestones for the program across the future-years defense program, highlighting any potential challenges or delays, and recommendations for how to advance the Joint Fires Network program. (C) A description of processes and guardrails related to the management of requirements and funding to ensure military department-specific requirements or funding pressures are not prioritized over joint requirements or needs of operational customers. (D) A description and timeline of transition planning for providing specific capabilities to operational customers, including processes for balancing needs and requirements across multiple operational customers. (b) Independent assessment required (1) In general Not later than March 30, 2026, the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command shall— (A) assess the plans and progress described in subsection (a)(1); and (B) provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the findings of the assessment. (2) Elements The briefing required by paragraph (1) shall include the Commander's assessment of the following: (A) The charter for the program and organizational relationships for facilitating coordination with the Combatant Command. (B) Mechanisms to include feedback from operational customers in the program and continue the rapid delivery of the Joint Fires Network capability at the point of need.