Cubic Defense Demonstrates Advanced Training and Communications Technologies at AFA 2026

Cubic Defense, a recognized leader in advanced training and C5ISR solutions, is set to showcase its latest technologies at AFA's Air, Space & Cyber Conference in 2026. The company will demonstrate how its integrated training, data, and resilient communications capabilities can support air and space forces in contested environments.

The event, scheduled for September 14-16 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, will feature several key demonstrations. Tammy Schmidt, Vice President and General Manager of Advanced Training Solutions at Cubic Defense, highlighted the company's focus on accelerating readiness and sustaining dominance in air and space operations.

One of the key demonstrations will be the SPEAR mission monitoring and debrief system. This common data model captures both objective and subjective mission data in a time-synchronized log, reducing the workload during debriefs and providing clear insights into what happened and why. The system’s server-client architecture allows for simultaneous access by dispersed users, enabling unified monitoring and mass debriefing both ashore and afloat.

Cubic Defense will also showcase its Training Data Constellation and P5 modernization efforts. Building on over 50 years of Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) experience, Cubic is modernizing TCTS and P5CTS with modular hardware and software upgrades. The P5 System Security Upgrade adds encrypted ACMI to fourth-generation U.S. Air Force aircraft and F-35 P5 Internal Subsystem interoperability, while the P5 Secure Telemetry Enhancement securely downlinks weapons, sensor, electronic combat, configuration, and countermeasure data to range systems.

Another significant demonstration will be the Secure Trainer, a live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) datalink. Utilizing the government-owned 5G-ATW waveform, this solution connects airborne light jet trainers with ground-based simulators, modeling and simulation engines, and other aircraft. This technology allows trainer aircraft to represent the weapons, sensors, signatures, and threats pilots will encounter in fifth-generation systems, providing a realistic training environment.

Cubic Defense will also present its Synthetic-Inject-to-Live (SITL) LVC platform, which integrates virtual and constructive aircraft, threats, weapons, and effects into live cockpit mission systems. The modular P5-based pod helps recreate the mass and complexity of high-end combat while preserving the primacy of the live platform, ensuring that aircrew can train effectively in a simulated environment.

In addition to these training solutions, Cubic Defense will demonstrate its integrated adversary training with Draken. This strategic alliance combines SPEAR, P5 training infrastructure, SITL data integration, and Bandit Board tools with Draken's Red Force ecosystem. The partnership connects adversary air, electronic warfare, surface threats, and uncrewed threat replication, providing comprehensive training scenarios for fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft.

Cubic Secure Communications will feature protected waveforms, including a private tabletop demonstration of the EX-1 software-defined radio paired with a MANET-style networked protected waveform. This setup leverages open-architecture capabilities to provide assured communications in contested environments. Other technology displays will include multi-link, multi-band, and multi-constellation SATCOM, software-defined radios, and combat search and rescue radios.

Focusing on tactical edge computing, Cubic DTECH Mission Solutions will showcase its Fusion Family of Systems. This modular and scalable tactical-edge architecture enables the U.S. Air Force's Digital Infrastructure, distributed command and control, and Agile Combat Employment missions. The system provides a common, rapidly deployable foundation for integrated compute, networking, communications, and mission applications across distributed operating locations.

Together, these capabilities enable Airmen to rapidly establish, operate, and scale secure digital infrastructure while maintaining access to critical data, applications, and command and control (C2) capabilities in contested and dynamic environments. Cubic Defense aims to demonstrate how its technologies can support air and space forces in maintaining dominance in challenging operational landscapes.