Four-year effort advances beyond-line-of-sight communications from operational requirement to fielded capability.

Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) has announced the operational fielding of IRIS, a beyond-line-of-sight communications capability aboard the B-52 Stratofortress, marking a significant advancement in long-range bomber connectivity, meeting an urgent operational need.

The achievement follows more than four years of coordinated work across Air Force organizations and industry partners. Throughout the effort, SBCC personnel embedded within AFGSC helped connect operational requirements with emerging technologies, coordinate stakeholders, and maintain continuity through acquisition, testing, integration, and fielding.

"Fielding a capability like IRIS takes more than identifying the right technology. It takes sustained coordination across the organizations responsible for bringing that capability into operation," said Eric Froehlich, CEO of SBCC. "Our team worked alongside Air Force personnel from the initial requirement through fielding. That's the work we're committed to seeing through."

Developed by Outerlink Global Solutions, IRIS enables B-52 crews to exchange voice, text, and tactical data beyond traditional line-of-sight limitations, strengthening communications and situational awareness during long-range missions.

From initial technology evaluation through operational fielding, SBCC's embedded team supported program management and coordination across more than 15 government and nongovernment organizations, helping maintain momentum as the capability progressed toward operational use.

The achievement reflects the collective efforts of Air Force organizations and industry partners and the value of sustained mission integration from requirement to readiness.

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