DAFPD17-2 — Cyber Warfare Operations

DAFPD17-2 governs Air Force policy for cyber warfare operations, cyberspace effects, and communications capabilities supporting warfighting forces.

Search DAFPD17-2

  • Publication number: DAFPD17-2
  • Title: CYBER WARFARE OPERATIONS
  • Date: 2020-10-27

View DAFPD17-2 on armypubs.army.mil


It covers cyberspace superiority, resilient satellite, airborne, and terrestrial communications, cyber capabilities, and roles for Air Combat Command and the United States Space Force. It requires trained and certified Airmen to conduct cyber warfare operations and establishes responsibilities for organizing, training, and equipping forces.

Applies to: This publication applies to all Department of the Air Force organizations, employees, including civilian and contractor personnel.

Topics covered

  • Cyberspace superiority
  • Cyber warfare operations
  • Satellite communications operations
  • Cyberspace weapons and capabilities
  • Air Combat Command lead command
  • United States Space Force lead service
  • Cyber warfare training and certification

Questions and answers

What communications networks does DAFPD17-2 require for warfighters?

Provide global, assured, resilient satellite, airborne, and terrestrial communications networks for warfighters in support of Department of the Air Force core missions. (paragraph 2)

Who must conduct cyber warfare operations under DAFPD17-2?

Cyber warfare operations will be conducted by Airmen trained and certified in accordance with applicable Department of Defense, Joint, and Intelligence Community directives and authorities. (paragraph 2)

What must the Department of the Air Force develop for cyber warfare operations?

The Department of the Air Force will develop cyberspace weapons and weapon systems; cyberspace capabilities; operational tactics, techniques, and procedures; and maintenance procedures to fully support assigned and authorized roles and missions. (paragraph 2)

Which organization is the lead command for cyber warfare operations?

Establish Air Combat Command as the lead command for the cyber warfare operations mission area via this directive, with Department of the Air Force responsibilities for organizing, training, and equipping forces to conduct cyber warfare operations. (paragraph 2)

Which organization is the lead service for enterprise satellite communications operations?

Establish the United States Space Force as the lead service for Department of the Air Force enterprise satellite communications operations via this directive, with service-wide responsibilities for organizing, training, and equipping forces to conduct those operations. (paragraph 2)

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