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{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Air Force Technical Applications Center
| image                         = Holmes, Batten pay first visit to nuclear treaty monitoring center 180124-F-SR919-006.jpg
| image_size                    = 300
| caption                       = An engineer at the Air Force Technical Applications Center briefs general [[James M. Holmes|Mike Holmes]], commander of Air Combat Command (on left) and members of his staff during their visit on 24 January 2018.
| dates                         = 1959 – present
| disbanded                     = 
| country                       = {{USA}}
| branch                        = {{Air force|USA}}
| type                          = 
| role                          = [[Nuclear weapon#Governance, control, and law|Nuclear arms control and verification]]
| size                          = 1,000 personnel{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
| command_structure             = [[Air Combat Command]]
| garrison                      = [[Patrick Space Force Base]], Florida
| nickname                      = 
| motto                         = 
| colors                        = 
| march                         = 
| mascot                        = 
| anniversaries                 = 
| equipment                     = 
| equipment_label               = 
| battles                       = 
| battles_label                 = 
| decorations                   = [[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award]]<ref>AF Pamphlet 900-2, p. 485. AF Pamphlet 900-2, Vol II, pp. 97-98.</ref>
| battle_honours                = 
| battle_honours_label          = 
| website                       = <!-- Commanders -->
| current_commander             = [[Colonel (United States)|Colonel]] James "Cobra" Finlayson
| notable_commanders            = <!-- notable_commanders -->
| identification_symbol         = [[File:Air Force Technical Applications Center.png|165px]]
| identification_symbol_label   = Air Force Technical Applications Center emblem
| identification_symbol_2       = [[File:Air Force Technical Application Center emblem (old).png|165px]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = 1035th USAF Field Activities Group emblem
}}

The '''Air Force Technical Applications Center''' ('''AFTAC'''), based at Florida's [[Patrick Space Force Base]], is an [[United States Air Force|Air Force]] surveillance organization assigned to the [[Sixteenth Air Force]]. Its mission is to monitor nuclear treaties of all applicable signatory countries. This is accomplished using [[seismic]], hydroacoustic and [[satellite]]-detection systems alongside ground based and [[WC-135 Constant Phoenix | airborne]] materials (radioactive debris) collection systems. <ref name="aftacfactpage">{{cite web|url=http://www.afisr.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10309|title=Air Force ISR Agency – AFTAC|date=June 2007|publisher=U.S. Air Force|access-date=19 January 2009}}</ref>

==Mission==
The Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) is the only American military unit responsible for providing national authorities with technical measurements to monitor nuclear-treaty compliance. It also develops proliferation-monitoring technologies.

AFTAC maintains a system containing more than 3,600 sensors worldwide and a global network of nuclear event-detection equipment called the U.S. Atomic Energy Detection Systems (USAEDS), the largest sensor network in the U.S. Air Force. When a disturbance is detected underground, underwater, in the atmosphere or in space, the event may be analyzed for nuclear identification, and the findings are reported to national command authorities.

AFTAC's nuclear event-detection mission is directly linked to its nuclear treaty-monitoring mission. AFTAC monitors signatory countries' compliance with the [[Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty|1963 Limited Test Ban Treaty]]. This treaty prohibits nuclear testing above the Earth's surface and prohibits the venting of nuclear debris or radiation from tests into the atmosphere outside the country's national borders. AFTAC also monitors the [[Threshold Test Ban Treaty]] of 1974 and the Peaceful Nuclear Explosion Treaty of 1976. The 1974 treaty limits the size of underground nuclear tests to 150 kilotons, while the 1976 treaty prohibits the testing of nuclear devices outside of agreed treaty sites.

AFTAC conducts technical research and evaluates verification technologies for current and future treaties involving [[Weapon of mass destruction|weapons of mass destruction]]. In 2014, AFTAC supplemented its network of contracted laboratories by opening the Ciambrone Radiochemistry Lab to analyze and assess compliance with nuclear-weapons testing in support of USAEDS and AFTAC's Nuclear Debris Collection and Analysis Program. The {{Convert|38000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} laboratory became necessary after the center's central laboratory at [[McClellan Air Force Base]] closed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.25af.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1635842/air-force-technical-applications-center/ |title=Air Force Technical Applications Center > 25th Air Force > Display |access-date=7 March 2019 |archive-date=7 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307112335/https://www.25af.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/1635842/air-force-technical-applications-center/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

== Component units ==
Unless otherwise indicated, units are based at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.16af.af.mil/Units/AFTAC/|title=AF Technical Applications Center|website=Sixteenth Air Force|publisher=US Air Force|access-date=12 April 2020}}</ref>

* Operating Location A ([[Ankara]], Turkey)
* Operating Location EH ([[The Pentagon]], Virginia)
* Operating Location PG
* Detachment 415 ([[Chiang Mai]], Thailand)
* 709th Special Surveillance and Analysis Group
** 21st Surveillance Squadron
*** Detachment 1 ([[Offutt AFB]], Nebraska)
** 22nd Surveillance Squadron
*** Detachment 45 ([[Buckley SFB]], Colorado)
*** Detachment 46 ([[Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station|Cheyenne Mountain SFS]], Colorado)
** 23rd Analysis Squadron
** 24th Analysis Squadron
** Air Force Radiochemistry Lab
* 709th Support Group
** 709th Cyberspace Squadron
** 709th Support Squadron
** 709th Technical Maintenance Squadron
*** Detachment 421 ([[Alice Springs]], [[Central Australia]])<ref>{{cite web |url=https://usdefensestory.com/us-airmen-in-australia-keep-an-ear-to-the-ground|title=US Airmen in Australia keep an ear to the ground }}</ref>
** Detachment 1
* Strategic Integration Directorate
* Strategic Development Directorate
* Plans & Programs Directorate

==History==

In 1947, General [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] directed the Army Air Forces to develop technologies capable of detecting "atomic explosions anywhere in the world." In 1949, a particulate sampler aboard an [[Air Weather Service]] modified [[B-29 Superfortress]] flying between Alaska and Japan detected debris from the first Soviet atomic test.

As the Air Force activated AFTAC in 1959 to prepare to monitor compliance with the [[Limited Test Ban Treaty]], AFTAC assumed some responsibilities for the USAEDS and the advancement of long-range detection capabilities. AFTAC's programs evolved into a resource system monitoring compliance with nuclear treaties, supporting the American space program and preparing citizens for nuclear emergencies.

Over the years, the Air Force tasked the nuclear treaty-monitoring center to conduct short-notice collection operations. In April 1986, AFTAC responded to the Ukrainian nuclear accident at the [[Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant]] in the Soviet Union. AFTAC flew 55 sorties compiling 502 flying hours and AFTAC's McClellan Central Laboratory (TOD) processed 354 samples.

In October 2006, AFTAC detected an event associated with North Korea's claim of a nuclear test and later provided verification of the nuclear event to national authorities.

The center supported [[Operation Tomodachi]], the U.S. government's response to the 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit Japan. The [[Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant]] experienced a nuclear meltdown in three of the plant's six reactors. AFTAC flew nine nuclear debris-collection sorties, processing 342 seismic events, and analyzed 660 samples from the peninsula.

In the summer of 2015, AFTAC removed ten radioactive thermoelectric generators from [[Alaska]] that were no longer required. This power source had been the Air Force's largest source of sensitive radioactive material.

In December 2015, the [[International Atomic Energy Agency]] (IAEA) released its final assessment on "Past and Present Outstanding Issues" regarding [[Nuclear program of Iran|Iran's nuclear program]]. AFTAC provided trace forensic analysis of samples supporting the IAEA's mission to monitor Iranian compliance with the [[Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action]]. As a major component of the IAEA's network of analytical labs, AFTAC's analysis was foundational to the report.

In January and September 2016, AFTAC sensors detected underground disturbances near North Korea's reported nuclear tests. The center's findings were based on seismic activity and were distributed to American authorities.

In September 2017, AFTAC detected nuclear activity in North Korea that registered 6.3 on the [[Richter scale]], ten times more powerful than North Korea's detonation in 2016.

AFTAC also maintains an array of sensors across the United States as part of the National Technical Nuclear Forensics (NTNF) program. The program is designed to collect forensic analysis after attacks against American sites or interests to aid the [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] in identifying governmental or terrorist involvement.

AFTAC works closely with the [[Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization]] (CTBTO) in [[Vienna|Vienna, Austria]] to improve the [[Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization|International Monitoring System]]. AFTAC contributes six of its U.S.-based USAEDS seismic monitoring stations to the IMS.

==Notable detections==

===Russia===
AFTAC predecessors detected the first Russian nuclear test conducted on 29 August 1949.

===China===
On 16 October 1964, AFTAC detected a Chinese atmospheric test.<ref name=pacafthisweek>{{cite web|url=http://www.pacaf.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-081014-068.pdf |title=This Week in PACAF and USAF history |access-date=19 January 2009 |publisher=U.S. Air Force |date=13 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721125930/http://www.pacaf.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-081014-068.pdf |archive-date=21 July 2011 }}</ref>

===Sinking of Soviet submarine K-129===
{{main|Azorian}} {{main|Soviet submarine K-129 (1960)}}
On 11 March 1968, the acoustic signatures of two extended destructive events were detected by four AFTAC hydroacoustic stations in the Pacific at [[Midway Atoll|Midway Island]], [[Kaneohe, Hawaii|Kaneohe]], [[Wake Island]] and [[Enewetak Atoll|Eniwetok]] and by an AFTAC tap on a U.S. Navy [[SOSUS]] array terminating at [[Adak, Alaska]]. These signals were analyzed using the differences of arrival times at each station. This detection and localization provided the first specific data on the wreck of the [[Soviet submarine K-129 (1960)|Soviet Golf-II class SSB K-129]], which became the target of the CIA's [[Project Azorian]] salvage operation conducted in the summer of 1974.<ref>{{cite book|last=Polmar|first=Norman|title=Project Azorian : the CIA and the Raising of the K-129|year=2010|publisher=Naval Institute Press|location=Annapolis, Md.|isbn=978-1-59114-690-2|author2=White, Michael}}</ref>

===India===
India's first nuclear test was detected on 18 May 1974 by AFTAC.<ref name="aftaccomm">{{cite web|url=http://www.foia.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-081007-010.pdf|title=AFTAC Celebrates 50 Years of Long Range Detection|date=October 1997|publisher=AFTAC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717073938/http://www.foia.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-081007-010.pdf|archive-date=17 July 2011|url-status=dead|access-date=19 January 2009}}</ref>

===Vela incident===
{{main|Vela incident}}
On 22 September 1979, one of the [[Vela (satellite)|Vela satellites]] detected a double flash of light, consistent with a nuclear explosion, centered over the [[Prince Edward Islands]]. There still exists a great deal of contention about whether the detection was nuclear in origin.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Vela Incident: South Atlantic Mystery Flash in September 1979 Raised Questions about Nuclear Test |url=https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/nuclear-vault/2016-12-06/vela-incident-south-atlantic-mystery-flash-september-1979-raised-questions-about-nuclear-test |website=National Security Archive |publisher=The George Washington University |access-date=19 May 2024}}</ref>

===Pakistan===
AFTAC detected Pakistan's first of five nuclear tests on 28 May 1998, with another nuclear test on 30 May 1998. The Pakistani tests occurred several days after several Indian tests.<ref name=aftac60>{{cite web|url=http://www.patrick.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123071481 |title=AFTAC celebrates 60th anniversary |access-date=19 October 2009 |publisher=U.S. Air Force |date=11 October 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090422230038/http://www.patrick.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123071481 |archive-date=22 April 2009 }}</ref>

===North Korea===
{{main|2006 North Korean nuclear test}}
AFTAC has detected and confirmed each of North Korea's nuclear tests between 2006 and 2017.<ref name=orlando>{{cite news|last= Sellers|first= Laurin|title= Brevard unit checks nukes|date = 16 October 2008|newspaper = Orlando Sentinel}}</ref>

==Lineage==
* Designated as the '''1035th USAF Field Activities Group''' and organized on 7 July 1959
* Redesignated as the '''1035th Technical Operations Group''' on 26 June 1972
* Redesignated as the '''Air Force Technical Applications Center''' on 1 October 1980<ref name="AFTACfacts">{{cite web|url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/433377/air-force-technical-applications-center/ |author=No byline|title=Factsheet Air Force Technical Applications Center|date=March 10, 2009|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=April 12, 2021}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Sixteenth Air Force]]
* [[Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency]]
* [[Patrick Space Force Base]]
* [[Air Combat Command]]

==References==
===Notes===
{{Reflist|40em}}

===Bibliography===
{{AFHRA}}

==External links==
* {{cite web|url= http://www.afisr.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10309 |author=Staff writer, no byline|title=Fact Sheets: Air Force Technical Applications Center|date=February 25, 2010|publisher=Air Force Technical Applications Center Public Affairs|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120214125917/http://www.afisr.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10309 |archive-date=February 14, 2012|access-date=August 22, 2022}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100405220548/http://www.tt.aftac.gov/wrt/ U.S. National Data Center]
* [http://www.fas.org/irp/agency/aftac/ Air Force Technical Applications Center] at [[Federation of American Scientists]]
* [http://sites.google.com/site/lrdalumniassnneedtoknownow/ Long Range Detection Alumni Association]
* [https://www.aftacaa.us/ AFTAC Alumni Association]

{{United States Air Force}}
{{United States Air Force intelligence units}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1947 establishments in Florida]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1947]]
[[Category:Centers of the United States Air Force]]
[[Category:Field operating agencies of the United States Air Force|Technical Applications Center]]
[[Category:Military in Brevard County, Florida]]
[[Category:Military units and formations in Florida]]