Advanced Submarine System Development

Mission — Advanced Submarine System Development source

Effective FY26, the scope of this PE is changing based on the PE/BLI consolidation effort in the DoD Implementation Plan from the Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) Reform Final Report with the intention of rapidly increasing Navy Lethality in the Submarine and Surface Fleet. The focus of this PE (existing Projects 0223 and 2033) is to support innovative research and development in submarine Hull, Mechanical and Electrical (HM&E) and combat systems technologies and the subsequent evaluation, demonstration, and validation for submarine platforms. It will increase the submarine technology base and provide subsystem design options not currently feasible. The PE also supports programs transitioning from Science and Technology (S&T), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Office of Naval Research (ONR), Independent Research & Development (IR&D), and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) projects. Beginning in FY26, this PE will incorporate existing projects/funding from the following Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS) PEs: Project 1916 from PE 0205620N Surface Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Combat System Integration; Project 1704 from PE 0603553N Surface ASW; Projects 0770 and 1739 from PE 0603562N Submarine Tactical Warfare Systems; and Projects 3094 and 3439 from PE 0604518N Combat Information Center Conversion. DESCRIPTION/JUSTIFICATION BY PROJECT: PROJECT 0223: The Submarine Combat System Improvement (Advanced) (Non-ACAT) project researches, develops, and tests new sonar, combat system, imaging, and electronic warfare software for Program Executive Office, Undersea Warfare Systems (PEO UWS), delivering new capabilities every other year. The project also develops, tests, and prototypes new sonar arrays for PMS 401, the Submarine Acoustics Program Office in PEO UWS. This project supports Navy Submarine Acoustic Superiority and Technology Insertion (TI) initiatives through the application of advanced development and testing of sensors and sensor processing systems supporting tactical control systems improvements. Improvements are supportive of "Advantage at Sea: Prevailing with Integrated All-Domain Naval Power", Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Naval Science and Technology Strategy, and the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) "America's Warfighting Navy"; addressing threats posed by strategic adversaries China and Russia. This project targets all force design imperatives rapidly providing unique capabilities to expand distance and generate decision advantage. Project 0223 is comprised of three (3) major efforts: Advanced Processing Builds (APB), Advanced Sensors, and Large Vertical Array (LVA). APB develops, tests and transitions capabilities for: - Acoustics, transitioning to AN/BQQ-10; - Tactical control, transitioning to AN/BYG-1; - Imaging, transitioning to AN/BVY-1; and - Electronic Warfare (EW), transitioning to AN/BLQ-10. Advanced Sensors develops new technologies for hull-mounted and towed arrays. Hull-mounted array improvements support submarine applications only. Towed array improvements are developed to support submarine, surface, and surveillance applications. LVA leverages demonstrated flank array developments to conduct critical testing and analysis needed to improve array performance and develop sensor employment tactics. It introduces new electronic hardware and software applications to enhance array and signal processing performance. These improvements will be incorporated in future LVA builds for Virginia class SSNs, Ohio and Columbia classes of SSBNs, as well as backfits. The LVA project also sustains the prototype LVA on USS Maryland. PROJECT 0770 - The Advanced Submarine Support Equipment Program (ASSEP) objective is to improve submarine operational effectiveness through the implementation of advanced Research and Development (R&D) efforts focused on advanced Imaging and Electronic Warfare (EW) support. A continuing need exists to improve these capabilities in view of the advancements in imaging counter-detection, the need to support specialized missions, and the increasingly dense and sophisticated electronic environment caused by the proliferation of complex radar, communications, and navigation equipment of our adversaries. Ongoing developments include improved antennas, tethered buoy, 360-degree imaging systems, and electro-optic infra-red (EO/IR) vulnerability signature reduction technologies. This project also supports the development of changes internal to submarine platforms to integrate the Submarine Tethered Expendable Buoy (STEB). This integration will provide a communications path to and from the buoy bringing buoy sensor data into the submarine combat system to improve situational awareness and tactical control while maintaining a covert posture. PROJECT 1704: The objective of the Undersea Warfare (USW) project is to pursue the development of technologies with the goal of improving Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) effectiveness to the point of rendering the enemy submarine irrelevant against U.S. and coalition forces. U.S. adversaries continue to develop asymmetric capabilities and capacities to deter, disrupt, or delay the entry of U.S. and allied naval forces, and pose a constant challenge as we implement the Maritime Strategy. These trends increase the threats to U.S. surface combatants, thus requiring a focused effort to identify the most promising ASW technologies through a process of discovery, assessment, experimentation, and analysis. Studies, experiments, and/or technology developments under this PE will seek to improve the ability of surface combatants to detect, classify, localize, and track submerged contacts and detect and defend against modern torpedoes. To achieve these objectives, it is essential to develop new ASW technologies. The products from these efforts will be provided to the Advanced Capability Build (ACB) program supporting the continuing improvement of the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Surface Ship ASW Combat System. PROJECT 1739 - The Submarine Arctic Warfare Development Project is aligned to Commander, Undersea Warfighting Development Center (UWDC), Detachment Arctic Submarine Laboratory (ASL). This Project provides the U.S. Navy Submarine Force (SUBFOR) a cadre of trained Arctic Operation Specialists (AOS) and an inventory of unique Arctic sensors that are installed to optimize submarine safety during under-ice operations. AOS personnel assigned from ASL embark on submarines that deploy to the Arctic, cold water and iceberg regions, and marginal ice zones (MIZ) in northern latitudes of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and are advisers to the Commanding Officer. ASL is a shore facility at Naval Base Point Loma with the infrastructure capable of supporting personnel and equipment to conduct the submarine Arctic Warfare Development mission. Improvements and life-cycle expenditures to the facility and warehousing are made as necessary to support the mission. Project 1739, via ASL, responds to the increased threat of naval activity in the Arctic regions while continuously supporting the Navy's strategic objective of Assured Access and Combat Credibility. ASL provides a unique capability that enables the SUBFOR to satisfy the requirements laid out in the Arctic Maritime Homeland Defense Initial Capabilities Document (ICD). ASL and SUBFOR demonstrate existing Arctic Warfare capabilities and operational and tactical proficiency while developing advanced submarine technology in unique cold-water environments, in under-ice conditions, and in ice-covered shallow water regions through the Ice Exercise (ICEX) program that includes Operation Ice Camp. ICEX places an emphasis on submarine operability and mission capability in the world's harshest maritime environment. Efforts include assessment of combat system effectiveness, weapons testing, use of High Frequency (HF) sonars in Arctic regions, testing of ice-capable submarine structures, and development of class-specific Arctic operational guidelines. Tactical Development (TACDEV) is conducted biennially and requires up front comprehensive planning and work-up training, as well as post exercise analysis and reporting. ICEX provides the framework for various submarine test and evaluation efforts in Arctic regions and at periodic Ice Camps. The ICEX program represents DoD's only drifting ice station capability through Operation Ice Camp. Emphasis during Operation Ice Camp is placed on the areas of sonar operability, tactical surveillance, weapon utility, and other submarine support missions. A Torpedo Exercise (TORPEX) occurs every four (4) years in order to meet minimum Fleet requirements of exercise torpedo (EXTORP) firings in the Arctic. A TORPEX requires a significantly higher level of logistics, personnel, and infrastructure to account for the recovery and transportation efforts of the EXTORPs. The ICEX Program also includes Arctic Exercise (ARCEX), a biennial exercise that rotates with the biennial Operation Ice Camp drifting ice camps, that includes Arctic operations to support ice camp equipment evaluation, systems development, extreme cold weather training, drifting sea ice and scientific research. PROJECT 1916: The objective of the Surface ASW System Improvement project is to significantly improve existing AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Surface Ship ASW sonar system capabilities through quick and affordable development and integration of emergent, transformational technologies in support of Surface Ship and Theater ASW (TASW) as required to pace the threat. Detection and classification play uniquely vital roles in the success of any ASW campaign. The ACB spiral development process is the primary means by which these improvements are developed. This project takes advantage of the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Open System Architecture (OSA) and Acoustic Rapid Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Insertion (ARCI) initiatives to integrate Torpedo Detection, Classification, and Localization (TDCL) and ASW sonar combat system capability improvements. The AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 COTS-based Surface Ship ASW Combat System is planned as a backfit program for all DDG51 class ships, but also contributes to the development of the ASW component of the guided missile Frigate (CONSTELLATION Class, FFG 62) program. The Open Architecture (OA) system enables the ACB process and provides budget flexibility to make COTS/OA technology solutions and ARCI-type initiatives affordable. Improvements are tested in the laboratory and at-sea. USW technology implementation will take advantage of improvements developed under the submarine APB and Advanced Surveillance Build (ASB) programs and will in turn share unique improvements developed under this program with the submarine and surveillance USW communities. The ACB and APB programs are managed under a common development organization and process titled 'AxB'. While each platform retains its uniqueness and focus in functional domains essential to mission success, a premium is placed on development of common capabilities and modular architecture technologies to maximize commonality and cost effectiveness. Project 1916 includes funding for the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Surface Ship ASW Test & Evaluation (T&E) program, which conducts testing and analysis to support certification of AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Surface Ship ASW Combat System ACBs prior to fielding. Additionally, finalization of Test & Evaluation Master Plans (TEMPs) and AN/SQQ-89(V) Developmental Test (DT) and Operational Test (OT) events are conducted under this program. This project includes funding for the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Surface Ship Engineering Measurement Program (SSEMP), which will measure the performance of existing and new AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Surface Ship ASW Combat System Technical Insertion (TI)/ACB baselines and enables data-based assessment of the capabilities and shortfalls in the performance of these systems in realistic scenarios. (Note about TI nomenclature: After TI-20, there will be a nomenclature shift for hardware baselines. Hypervisor Technology 0 (HT0) will replace what would have been TI-22. HT0 enables the deployment of virtualization technologies that create a logical separation between hardware and software, which can simplify future upgrades and accelerate software certification.) Finally, this project supports cyber security initiatives to align future AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Surface Ship ASW Combat System baselines with future AEGIS Integrated Combat Systems. PROJECT 2033: Advanced Submarine Systems Development (ASSD) is a non-acquisition program that develops, matures and tests advanced technologies for successful integration into current and future submarine classes, lowers the technical/cost risks of integrating new technologies prior to acquisition, and speeds the delivery of capability and lethality into the Fleet. ASSD transitions Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical (HM&E) technologies, and future naval concepts from the Science & Technology (S&T) and Research and Development (R&D) communities through the development, maturation, and integration of technology projects to operational submarine platforms for assessment, testing, and evaluation. Once projects have proven their maturity and promise through at-sea demonstration, they are formally transitioned into acquisition Programs of Record (PORs). Additionally, ASSD operates and maintains R&D infrastructure assets that are critical to the long-term design, assessment and construction of modern, stealthy submarine platforms. Project 2033 is comprised of three programmatic budget categories: Strategic Capability R&D Infrastructure, Long Range R&D Investment, and Rapid Technology Development. Strategic infrastructure investments maintain and operate critical, one-of-a-kind undersea warfare R&D assets that enable the design and manufacture of the stealthiest submarines in the world, without the requirement to develop and test at full scale, which is inordinately expensive and risky. Long-range R&D investment is the maturation and prototyping at full scale of long-range (5-10 years) technologies, to enable their readiness for incorporation into existing and future submarines. The objective is to achieve high technology readiness (TRL-7) of the targeted technology so that it can be incorporated into the baseline submarine design during the detail design and construction contract award, and evaluated for back-fit into existing platforms. This is class agnostic technology development that supports the VIRGINIA program, the COLUMBIA program, and the Next Generation Attack Submarine (SSN(X)) programs. Rapid Technology Development projects are efforts designed to rapidly mature higher TRL capabilities and field the particular technology project capability within an 18-30 month window, from program start to submarine at- sea demonstration. Also included in this category are innovative technology transition projects, seedling efforts (less than $800K/year) which assess new technology candidates and keep the submarine and Undersea Warfare (USW) technology pipeline primed. All SUB073/ASSD projects are determined by senior USW leadership and N97 sponsor direction. The Program works with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD), Office of Naval Research (ONR), and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) organizations to identify and mature technology candidates for integration into current/future submarine classes to provide new/transformational capabilities, while achieving total-ownership cost reductions. Experimentation and demonstration are also conducted in a joint warfighting context with other services (i.e. Marine Corps, Army, Air Force to enable early assessment of a new technology's warfighting capabilities, and to inform the Fleet and acquisition community on smarter technology-selection decisions. This Program also supports cooperative R&D through Information/Data Exchange Agreements (IEA/ DEA) and joint Project Arrangements (PA) with international Allies, which target core technology maturation, future submarine component concept designs, etc. Major technology developmental efforts within this budget submission include: Strategic Capability Infrastructure - Large Scale Vehicle (LSV) - Intermediate Scale Measurement System (ISMS) - High Gain Measurement System (HGMS) - Acoustic Range Detachment (ARD) Ranges Recapitalization - South Tongue of the Ocean (TOTO) Acoustic Measurement Facility (STAFAC) Recapitalization Long Range R&D Investment - Advanced Material Propeller (AMP) Technology - Advanced Signature Management - Advanced SSN Technologies - Advanced Hull Treatments Rapid Technology Development - Innovation Technology Transfer PROJECT 3094: Undersea Warfare Decision Support System (USW-DSS) is the Navy Program of Record Net-Centric ASW/TUSW C2 system supporting the warfighter. USW-DSS continues to develop and test the software changes and perform the certification testing necessary to address end-of-life (EOL) support issues impacting USW-DSS Build 3, as well as address emerging mandated cybersecurity requirements. USW-DSS has shifted to a Continuous Improvement / Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) model leveraging multiple Development and Secure cloud Operational environments (DevSecOps) which produces baseline software upgrades twice annually. Within this CI/CD process, this project develops, designs, integrates, and tests additional tools/capabilities for USW-DSS Build 3 including, but not limited to: Waterspace Management (WSM) and Prevention of Mutual Interference (PMI), Common Track Manager, Link 16 Connectivity, Common Tactical Picture (CTP), Platform Data Fusion Integration, Cross-Platform Data Fusion, Automated Asset Allocation, Asset/Threat State Information, Vulnerability Analysis enhancement, ASW Track Management, Automated Re-planning, Engagement Target Pairing, improved Theater ASW (TASW) capabilities, Data-Focused Navy Tactical Cloud Integration, and virtualization of the electronic Master Tactical Plot (eMTP) visualization/display service as 'Web USW-DSS' on which to render the CTP/Common Operational Picture (COP). These improvements address requirements from the Commander U.S. Fleet Forces endorsement of "Theater ASW Capability Requirements" letter (dated 24 February 2017). Future USW-DSS Build 3 Fleet Capability Releases (FCRs) will focus on required system re-architecture to keep pace with the latest network and system hardware obsolescence as well as expanded processing and user interface capacity requirements that are driven by expanded multi-system and multi-level security inputs. These FCRs will also achieve commonality between afloat and ashore USW-DSS systems, such that continuous development improvements impact both shipboard and TUSW Command Headquarters (TUSWCHQ) watch floors, as well as training and Fleet support installations uniformly. FCR 3 will focus on expanding and sharing operational data and artifacts between systems across multiple security classification and releasability standards to support system to system and allied and coalition interoperability. This effort complements parallel Foreign Military Sales (FMS) efforts that expand cooperative TUSW operations. PROJECT 3439: The Networked Architecture for Undersea Theater Integrated C2 Advantage (NAUTICA) Project provides TASW architecture development, systems engineering, and design, and continues the system engineering effort required to design, develop, and deliver an integrated TASW battle management suite in accordance with the 2007 ASW Initial Capabilities Document (ICD). The plan prioritizes NAUTICA investments in accordance with the Commander U.S. Fleet Forces endorsement of "Theater ASW Capability Requirements" letter (dated 24 February 2017) and Center for Security Forces (CSF) letter "Criticality of Sustaining PMI and WSM Capability and Meeting Emerging Requirements for Great Competition" submitted to OPNAV N2N6. The design of the integrated TASW battle management suite will include a system-of-systems TASW architecture to enable the existing Programs of Record under development from the Program Executive Office (PEO) for Integrated Warfare Systems (IWS), PEO Command, Controls, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I), PEO AIR, PEO SUB, and N9SP to exploit a common framework. The common architecture will define the key data exchanges, common displays and processing, data models, cross domain interfaces, and multi-level security software to fuse TUSW C2 data within USW-DSS and an ever-increasing number of C4I tactical data sources into a CTP. This development will include tactical dissemination of USW tactical picture and targeting data to the submarine, allied system-to-system interoperability, Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV), and Subsurface and Seabed Warfare (SSW) situational awareness. NAUTICA will focus on closing seams issues across the multi-program system-of-systems that provides C2 tools for TUSW and will support the curation of tactical picture, targeting, and cueing data to allow for transmission to ships and submarines in emission control (EMCON) status to support USW and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW).

Mission — Sub Combat System Improvement (ADV) source

The Submarine Combat System Improvement (Advanced) (Non-ACAT) project addresses technology challenges to improve tactical control in littoral and open ocean environments for a variety of operational missions including peacetime engagement, surveillance, battle space preparation, deterrence, regional sea denial, precision strike, task group support, and ground warfare support. These technologies, developed by Navy technology bases, the private sector, Office of Naval Research (ONR), Future Naval Capabilities (FNC), and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) are then transitioned. Prototype hardware/software systems are developed to demonstrate technologically promising system concepts in laboratory and at-sea submarine environments. The Advanced Sensor development program develops and tests new sensors and demonstrates large array configurations. Current efforts are directed at towed array sensor technologies, telemetry, and architecture, to improve reliability and performance while decreasing program life-cycle costs. For large array configurations, Conformal Acoustic Velocity Sonar (CAVES), Wide Aperture Array (WAA), Large Vertical Aperture (LVA), and Bow Conformal Array (BCA) technologies are also being pursued. The focus of sensor processing technology efforts through the Advanced Processing Build (APB) program will address improvements in imaging, tactical control, Electronic Warfare (EW) and acoustics, including detection, localization, classification, ranging, tracking, situational awareness, tactical decision aids, command decision support tools and displays and other functions essential to mission success. APB will also develop capabilities related to off-hull cueing and coordination with other platforms. Technologies and/or capabilities developed under this Project will be shared, as applicable to reduce costs and optimize reuse, with development programs for surface ship sonar, Advanced Capability Build (ACB) and surveillance platforms, Advanced Surveillance Build (ASB). ACB and APB are managed under a common development process titled AxB. While each platform retains its uniqueness and focus in functional domains essential to mission success, a premium is placed on development of common capabilities and modular architecture technologies to maximize commonality and cost effectiveness.

Mission — Adv Sub Supp Equip Prog source

A continuing need exists to improve Imaging and Electronic Warfare (EW) support capabilities in view of the advancements in potential imaging counter-detection and the increasingly dense electromagnetic environment caused by the proliferation of complex radar, communications, and navigation equipment of potential adversaries. Improvements are necessary for submarine Imaging and EW to be operationally effective in the following mission areas: Joint Littoral Warfare, Joint Surveillance, Space and Electronic Warfare, Intelligence Collection, Maritime Protection, and Joint Strike. This project will concurrently consider both Imaging and EW domains as improved mast systems are designed. The evaluation of state-of-the-art technology to implement periscope/mast improvements via EW electromagnetic and electro-optic sensors results in improved capability. Engineering Development Models (EDMs) are developed, evaluated, and validated in the lab and through at-sea testing. This project is a non-Acquisition Category (ACAT) program. The test articles identified consist of critical components that will be fully developed during Engineering Manufacturing and Development phase into EDMs. Software-based capabilities in Imaging and/or EW domains that will process inputs from improved masts may be integrated and tested within this project.

Mission — Undersea Warfare source

The objective of this Project is to pursue the development of technologies with the goal of improving ASW effectiveness to the point of rendering the enemy submarine irrelevant against U.S. and coalition forces. U.S. adversaries continue to develop asymmetric capabilities and capacities to deter, disrupt, or delay the entry of U.S. and allied naval forces, and pose a constant challenge as we implement the Maritime Strategy. These trends increase the threats to U.S. surface combatants, thus requiring a focused effort to identify the most promising ASW technologies through a process of discovery, assessment, experimentation, and analysis. Studies, experiments, and/or technology developments under this PE will seek to improve the ability of surface combatants to detect, classify, localize, and track submerged contacts and detect and defend against modern torpedoes. To achieve these objectives, it is essential to develop new ASW technologies. The products from these efforts will be provided to the ACB program supporting the continuing improvement of the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Surface Ship ASW Combat System.

Mission — Submarine Arctic W/F Development source

The Submarine Arctic Warfare Development Project provides the U.S. Navy Submarine Force (SUBFOR) a cadre of trained Arctic Operation Specialists (AOS) and an inventory of unique Arctic sensors that are installed to optimize submarine safety during under-ice operations. AOS personnel assigned from ASL embark on submarines that deploy to the Arctic, cold water and iceberg regions, and marginal ice zones (MIZ) in northern latitudes of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and are advisers to the Commanding Officer. ASL is a shore facility at Naval Base Point Loma with the infrastructure capable of supporting personnel and equipment to conduct the submarine Arctic Warfare Development mission. Improvements and life-cycle expenditures to the facility and warehousing are made as necessary to support the mission. The Submarine Arctic Warfare Development Project, via ASL, responds to the increased threat of naval activity in the Arctic regions while continuously supporting the Navy's strategic objective of Assured Access and Combat Credibility. ASL provides a unique capability that enables the SUBFOR to satisfy the requirements laid out in the Arctic Maritime Homeland Defense Initial Capabilities Document (ICD). ASL and SUBFOR demonstrate existing Arctic Warfare capabilities and operational and tactical proficiency while developing advanced submarine technology in unique cold-water environments, in under-ice conditions, and in ice-covered shallow water regions through the Ice Exercise (ICEX) program that includes Operation Ice Camp. ICEX places an emphasis on submarine operability and mission capability in the world's harshest maritime environment. Efforts include assessment of combat system effectiveness, weapons testing, use of High Frequency (HF) sonars in Arctic regions, testing of ice-capable submarine structures, and development of class-specific Arctic operational guidelines. Tactical Development (TACDEV) is conducted biennially and requires up front comprehensive planning and work-up training, as well as post exercise analysis and reporting. ICEX provides the framework for various submarine test and evaluation efforts in Arctic regions and at periodic Ice Camps. The ICEX program represents DoD's only drifting ice station capability through Operation Ice Camp. Emphasis during Operation Ice Camp is placed on the areas of sonar operability, tactical surveillance, weapon utility, and other submarine support missions. A Torpedo Exercise (TORPEX) occurs every four (4) years in order to meet minimum Fleet requirements of exercise torpedo (EXTORP) firings in the Arctic. A TORPEX requires a significantly higher level of logistics, personnel, and infrastructure to account for the recovery and transportation efforts of the EXTORPs. The ICEX Program also includes Arctic Exercise (ARCEX), a biennial exercise that rotates with the biennial Operation Ice Camp drifting ice camps, that includes Arctic operations to support ice camp equipment evaluation, systems development, extreme cold weather training, drifting sea ice and scientific research.

Mission — Surface ASW System Improvement source

ASW remains a Navy core competency in a dynamic and uncertain maritime environment. U.S. adversaries continue to develop asymmetric capabilities and capacities to deter, disrupt, or delay the entry of U.S. and allied naval forces, and pose a constant challenge as we implement the Maritime Strategy. Evolving submarine technologies offer enhanced stealth, speed, endurance, weapons, and operational proficiency, foretelling that the adversary submarine of the future will have a significantly larger sphere of influence, while presenting less vulnerability to U.S. forces. The effective offensive engagement range of the adversary submarine of the future will continue to match or outrange individual U.S. and multinational platform sensors and weapons in many tactical environments. Submarines are an increasing threat to all Naval and Allied ships, particularly modern diesel subs and faster torpedoes. Not only can the presence of potential hostile submarines delay naval combatant action until they are located and neutralized, submarines can also disrupt all seaborne logistics supply for any ground campaign as well as maritime commerce. U.S. forces must be effective in all operating environments, ranging from the deep open ocean to the littorals, and are key to countering adversarial anti-access and area denial strategies. The Surface ASW Systems Improvements project will support essential performance enhancements to the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Surface Ship ASW Combat System. This project will improve Measures of Performance (MOP) by enhancing operator interface methods and tools; active and passive detection; tracking, classification, and localization; Torpedo Detection, Classification, and Localization (TDCL); sonobuoy data processing and display capabilities; and increasing acoustic sensor frequency bandwidth (Operational Requirements Document (ORD) #667-76-05 titled 'AN/SQQ-89 Improvement Program' and Test & Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP) 802-2). This project will take advantage of the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Surface Ship ASW Combat System Open System Architecture (OSA) and Acoustic Rapid Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Insertion (ARCI) initiatives to integrate TDCL and ASW sonar and combat system capability improvements. The AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Surface Ship ASW Combat System is planned as a backfit program for CG47 (select CG59-73 Baseline 3 and 4 ships) and all DDG51 class ships. The OSA and high-performance COTS processing hardware on ships fielded with the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Surface Ship ASW Combat System provides an opportunity to integrate emergent, transformational ASW and Undersea Warfare (USW) technological improvements that were previously unachievable. The ASW/USW suites on these ships will require periodic upgrades to remain effective well into the 21st century and to pace the threat. Software upgrades developed under this project will target capability increases in high interest areas as prescribed by the Fleet and captured in campaign analysis. To achieve this, the project will package and deliver incremental upgrades every two (2) years to the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Surface Ship ASW Combat System production program via an Advanced Capability Build (ACB) spiral development process. The project has undergone a transition in software development methodology from a legacy waterfall approach to an Agile development, security, and operations (DevSecOps) approach. This new Agile approach involves modern Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) modular software architectures, coding, and automated testing to enable much more rapid delivery of updated capabilities as required to address cyber or operational performance needs. The Navy is pursuing a transformation across all Tactical Systems to maximize cyber-resiliency and the speed of capability delivery. The transformation implements an agile development process comprised of a continuous series of 12-week software program increments in a DevSecOps environment. This process will better align with industry practice and enable the AN/SQQ-89 combat systems to leverage industry capability improvements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and other emerging technologies, while also being more responsive to cyber needs. As ACB delivers, changes are required in the project's software development and integration methodologies to remain well synchronized with the production programs. Instead of delivering an improved ACB to the production programs at the end of development (which the production program then had to integrate, mature, test, and certify), development capabilities will now be integrated into the latest production hardware baseline as they are ready, on a continuing basis. This adds flexibility to the program, allowing urgent changes to be fielded more rapidly, and provides an integrated software build requiring less effort at the end of development. For major capability updates, the project will maintain an every-other-year delivery posture to ensure mature products are supporting Fleet Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) and Training. Primary areas of ASW and USW improvements are as follows: - Undersea Fire Control/Engagement - Localization and Contact Management - Medium Frequency (MF) Pulsed Active Sonar (PAS) - Continuous Active Sonar (CAS) - Acoustic Communications - TDCL - Torpedo Defense - Passive Sonar - Automated Detection and Tracking - Sonar Tactical Decision Aids (STDA) - Embedded Operator Training Resources

Mission — Adv Submarine Systems Development source

Advanced Submarine Systems Development (ASSD) is a non-acquisition program that develops, matures and tests advanced technologies for successful integration into current and future submarine classes, lowers the technical/cost risks of integrating new technologies prior to acquisition, and speeds the delivery of capability and lethality to the Fleet. ASSD transitions Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical (HM&E) technologies, and future naval concepts from the Science & Technology (S&T) and Research and Development (R&D) communities through the development, maturation, and integration of technology projects to operational submarine platforms for assessment, testing, and evaluation. Once projects have proven their maturity and promise through at-sea demonstration, they are formally transitioned into acquisition Programs Of Record (PORs). Additionally, ASSD operates and maintains strategic R&D infrastructure and measurement assets that are critical to the long-term design, assessment and construction of modern, stealthy submarine platforms. Project 2033 is comprised of three programmatic budget categories: Strategic Capability R&D Infrastructure, Long Range R&D Investment, and Rapid Technology Development. Strategic infrastructure investments maintain and operate critical, one-of-a-kind undersea warfare R&D assets that enable the design and manufacture of the stealthiest submarines in the world, without the requirement to develop and test at full scale, which is inordinately expensive and risky. Long-range R&D investment is the maturation and prototyping at full scale of long-range (5-10 years) technologies, to enable their readiness for incorporation into existing and future submarines. The objective is to achieve high technology readiness levels (TRL-7) of the targeted technology so that it can be incorporated into the baseline submarine design during the detailed design and construction contract award and evaluated for back-fit into existing platforms. This is class agnostic technology development that supports the VIRGINIA program, COLUMBIA program, and the Next Generation Attack Submarine (SSN(X)) programs. Rapid Technology Development projects are efforts designed to rapidly mature higher TRL capabilities and field the particular technology project capability within an 18-30 month window, from program start to submarine at- sea demonstration. Also included in this category are innovative technology transition projects, seedling efforts (<$800K/year) which assess new technology candidates and keep the submarine and Undersea Warfare (USW) technology pipeline primed. All SUB073/ASSD projects are determined by senior USW leadership and N97 sponsor direction. The Program works with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), Office of Secretary of Defense (OSD), Office of Naval Research (ONR), and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) organizations to identify and mature technology candidates for integration into current/future submarine classes to provide new/transformational capabilities, while achieving total-ownership cost reductions. Experimentation and demonstration are also conducted in a joint warfighting context with other services (i.e. Marine Corps, Army, Air Force to enable early assessment of a new technology's warfighting capabilities, and to inform the Fleet and acquisition community on smarter technology-selection decisions. This Program also supports cooperative R&D through Information/Data Exchange Agreements (IEA/ DEA) and joint Project Arrangements (PA) with international Allies, which target core technology maturation, future submarine component concept designs, etc. Major technology developmental efforts within this budget submission include: Strategic Capability R&D Infrastructure - Large Scale Vehicle (LSV) - Intermediate Scale Measurement System (ISMS) - High Gain Measurement System (HGMS) - South TOTO Acoustic Measurement Facility (STAFAC) Recapitalization - Acoustic Research Detachment (ARD) Ranges Recapitalization Long Range R&D - Advanced Hull Treatments - Advanced Material Propeller - Advanced SSN Technologies - Advanced Signature Management Rapid Technology Development - Innovative Technology Transfer Increase in overall budget from FY25 to FY26 due to required program ramps in support of needed ARD Range Recapitalization (modernization of the ISMS and HGMS range complexes) and the transition of STAFAC Recapitalization project into the system at-sea deployment, install and validation phase.

Mission — USW Decision Support source

Undersea Warfare Decision Support System (USW-DSS) is the Navy Program of Record Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Command and Control (C2) Net-Centric system supporting the warfighter. USW-DSS provides an integrated, near-real time, net-centric ASW Common Tactical Picture (CTP) and Common Operational Picture (COP) for the Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs). USW-DSS is a C2 capability identified in the ASW Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) for the Sea Combat Commander (SCC) and Theater USW Commander (TUSWC). USW-DSS enables effective planning and execution of USW operations, optimizes placement of sensors for exploitation of the environment, manages available resources, balances operations versus risk, and provides a clear vulnerability assessment of the operational environment. USW-DSS ensures safe operational and tactical C2 of submerged U.S. and allied submarines via Prevention of Mutual Interference (PMI) capability, and protects from blue-on-blue engagement with a Waterspace Management planning and execution tool. USW-DSS shortens C2 decision processes for detection-to-engagement across multiple platforms, including those with low-bandwidth communications or intermittent connectivity. Tactical data such as tracks, environmental, and sensor processing data is ingested into USW-DSS through platform specific interfaces such as the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Surface Ship ASW Combat System, the Global Command and Control System - Maritime (GCCS-M), and the AN/SQQ-34 Aircraft Carrier Tactical Support Center (CV-TSC). USW-DSS processes this and other tactical data and supports intelligent dissemination of the data to unit and theater level platforms in support of an enhanced USW tactical picture. USW-DSS provides USW Commanders with an expanded, net-centric USW collaborative capability across CSG platforms (CVNs, CGs, DDGs, FFGs) as well as supporting shore nodes to include Commander Task Force (CTF), the Naval Oceanographic Processing Facility (NOPF), and Tactical Operations Center (TOC) and Maritime Operations Center (MOC). On afloat platforms, USW-DSS processing software is virtualized for portability and is hosted on the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) system and implements a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) with display generation and operator interfaces provided via USW-DSS hardware. For support and ashore nodes, USW-DSS processing software is hosted on Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) hardware. Starting in 2024, USW-DSS fielding will be entirely hosted on CANES with no additional USW-DSS hardware. This software-only fielding plan will allow for more frequent system patching and upgrades. To accommodate this transition, USW-DSS is developing a secure container-based architecture. Future USW-DSS capability is phased to deliver timely and cost-effective software improvements to the warfighter via the Fleet Capability Release (FCR) process. USW-DSS Build 3 FCR incremental developments implement cost-effective cyber security and Theater ASW (TASW) functionality by integrating inputs from data sources and platforms such as the P8-A Poseidon aircraft and associated Air ASW sensors, provide improved and additional functionality, and improve stability and reliability. USW-DSS Build 3 provides common and improved visualization, integrated USW platform sensor data sharing, reduced data entry, improved sensor performance predictions, data fusion, and reduced redundancy across USW Tactical Decision Aids (TDAs). The project provides a greater understanding of the undersea battle space by allowing the entire force (carrier and expeditionary strike group, theater, or other) to have a common and thorough understanding of the battle space with characterized uncertainties. The Navy continues to modernize and add sensor capabilities to existing programs of record that are significant data sources of information for USW-DSS. These include, but are not limited to the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Surface Ship ASW Combat System, AN/SQQ-34 CV-TSC, GCCS-M, and Link Monitoring and Management Tool (LMMT). As the sensor capabilities and systems mature, the tactical data valuable to USW-DSS is incorporated as part of a future FCR. Through targeted architectural improvements, follow-on FCRs will facilitate the migration of select components of USW-DSS to a DoD commercial cloud computing environment, thus improving software performance and scalability while keeping future hardware costs in check. Additionally, follow-on FCRs are targeted to support operations across different security enclaves and additional platform tactical data interfaces such as those associated with P-8A Poseidon aircraft, and submarines. Additionally, USW-DSS is adopting agile Information Technology (IT) developments to align with the Compile to Combat in 24 Hours (C2C24) initiative. USW-DSS will continue to address end-of-life (EOL) support issues impacting USW-DSS Build 3 as well as address emerging mandated cybersecurity requirements. Funding will be used to continue to develop, design, integrate, and test additional USW-DSS tools/capabilities for Build 3 including, but not limited to: Waterspace Management and PMI, Common Track Manager, Link 16 Connectivity, CTP, Platform Data Fusion Integration, Cross-Platform Data Fusion, Automated Asset Allocation, Asset/Threat State Information, Vulnerability Analysis enhancement, ASW Track Management, Automated Re-planning, Area Planning, improved TASW capabilities, Data-Focused Navy Tactical Cloud Integration, and virtualization of the electronic Master Tactical Plot (eMTP) visualization/display service as 'Web USW-DSS' on which to render the CTP/COP. These improvements address requirements from the Commander U.S. Fleet Forces endorsement of "Theater ASW Capability Requirements" letter (dated 24 February 2017).

Mission — Project NAUTICA: Integrated Theater ASW C4I source

The Networked Architecture for Undersea Theater Integrated C2 Advantage (NAUTICA) project provides Theater Anti-Submarine Warfare (TASW) architecture development, systems engineering, and design. NAUTICA will identify requirements to integrate intelligence (operational and tactical) and sensor (national and organic) systems to provide a fully informed Naval Integrated Fires - Counter Undersea (N2CX) Common Operational Picture (COP) of enemy undersea forces, maximizing decision superiority and theater level planning, and address TASW C2. Using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), NAUTICA decomposes warfighting requirements into system requirements allocated to existing Programs of Record or identified as new program requirements. Theater Undersea Warfare Operations Center's (TUSWOC) systems today are not integrated to support performance requirements during all threat levels. This results in failure to most effectively employ Theater USW assets. Near term, the Project will continue to accelerate development by rapidly prototyping the framework for existing legacy systems to be federated, to exchange key information and significantly improve existing TASW capability. NAUTICA will also establish a transition path for new USW technologies such as the Operational Planning Tool (OPT), Water Space Planner (WASP), Battlespace Management Tactical Decision Aid (BAM TDA), and other Future Naval Capabilities (FNCs) that will start to transition Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5/6 enabling technologies into the USW-DSS Program of Record. NAUTICA investments are prioritized in accordance with the Commander U.S. Fleet Forces endorsement of "Theater ASW Capability Requirements" letter (dated 24 February 2017) and Center for Security Forces (CSF) letter "Criticality of Sustaining Prevention of Mutual Interference (PMI) and Water Space Management (WSM) Capability and Meeting Emerging Requirements for Great Competition" submitted to OPNAV N2N6. The design of the integrated TASW battle management suite will include a system of systems TASW architecture to enable the existing programs of record under development from the Program Executive Office (PEO) for Integrated Warfare Systems (IWS), PEO Command, Controls, Communications, Computers and intelligence (C4I), PEO AIR, PEO Undersea Warfare Systems (UWS), and N9SP to exploit a common framework. The common architecture will define the key data exchanges, common displays and processing, data models, cross domain interfaces, and multi-level security software that will enable systems such as USW-DSS to exchange, display, and exploit information at the appropriate classifications. NAUTICA focuses development of Theater USW C2 multi-system integration challenges that require coordination across multiple programs, multiple platforms, and multiple resource sponsors.

Mission — Congressional Adds source

This project represents a onetime $10M congressional add in FY25 to enhance the development of advanced submarine hull coatings for improved acoustic performance, maintainability and cost, with the objective of near-term implementation on VIRGINIA and COLUMBIA Class platforms, as well as future submarine classes.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (14)