Submarine Tactical Warfare Sys

Abstract

This Program Element (PE) addresses advanced submarine technology areas in support of the Navy's strategic objective of Assured Access and Combat Credibility. All projects funded in this PE are non-Acquisition Category (ACAT) programs. 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). In order to provide improved operational effectiveness, efforts are focused on advanced Imaging and Electronic Warfare (EW) support development. A continuing need exists to improve these capabilities in view of the advancements in potential 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 potential adversaries. Ongoing developments include improved antennas, tethered buoy, 360-degree imaging systems, and electro-optic infra-red (EO/IR) vulnerability signature reduction technologies. Beginning in FY 2024, this project 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 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. 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 during a biennial Ice Exercise (ICEX). 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) ICEXs are conducted biennially and require up front comprehensive planning and work-up training, as well as post exercise analysis and reporting. ICEXs provide the framework for various submarine test and evaluation in Arctic regions and at periodic Ice Camps. This program represents DoD's only drifting ice station capability. Emphasis during ICEX is placed on the areas of sonar operability, tactical surveillance, weapon utility, and other submarine support missions. These efforts include the assessment of combat system effectiveness, development of Arctic specific improvements for existing sonar and weapons, development of class-specific Arctic operational guidelines, and testing of ice-capable submarine support structures. A torpedo firing ICEX occurs every four (4) years (FY 2024, FY 2028, etc.) in order to meet minimum Fleet requirements of exercise torpedo (EXTORP) firings in the Arctic. A Torpedo Exercise (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 ICEX 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.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 0603562N_4_1319_PB_2025
• Change Summary Explanation: FUNDING CHANGES SINCE THE PREVIOUS PRESIDENT'S BUDGET AT THE OVERALL PE LEVEL: - FY 2023 net decrease of $-0.182M reflects the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) transfer ($-0.180M) and the incorporation of other miscellaneous rate adjustments ($-0.002M). - FY 2025 decrease of $-0.247M reflects the incorporation of miscellaneous rate adjustments. PROJECT 0770: - FY 2024 TO FY 2025 BUDGET REQUEST DECREASE: FY 2024 ($7.791M) to FY 2025 ($7.514M) decrease ($-0.277M) is the result of miscellaneous rate adjustments that will reduce the testing duration of certain sensors in FY 2025. PROJECT 1739: - FY 2024 TO FY 2025 BUDGET REQUEST INCREASE: FY 2024 ($7.328M) to FY 2025 ($7.410M) increase ($+0.082M) is in line with the inflation expected with the RDT&EN appropriation.
• Service Agency Name: Navy

Entities

Organizations

• United States Navy

Tags

Fields of Study

• Engineering

Readers

• Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies
• Polar and Arctic Studies

Technology Areas

• Microelectronics