Maritime Systems

Abstract

This Program Element provides for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) of Special Operations Forces (SOF) Surface and Undersea Mobility platforms. It also provides for pre-acquisition activities to quickly respond to new requirements for SOF surface and undersea mobility, looking at multiple alternatives to include cross-platform technical solutions, service-common solutions, Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) technologies, and new development efforts. The Underwater Systems project provides for the EMD of combat submersibles, SOF combat diving systems, underwater support systems, and underwater equipment. This project also provides for pre-acquisition activities (materiel solutions analysis, advanced component, prototype development, and exploitation of emerging technology opportunities to deliver enhanced capabilities) to respond to emerging requirements. This project received a Congressional Add in FY 2023 ($30.000 million), details are provided under separate cover. The Surface Craft project provides for the EMD of all combatant craft, combatant craft mission equipment, pre-planned product improvement, and technology insertions to meet the unique requirements of SOF. This project also provides for pre-acquisition activities (materiel solutions analysis, advanced component development and prototypes) to quickly respond to new requirements for maritime craft and subsystems. The Underwater and Surface craft project’s capabilities and unique equipment provide small, highly trained forces the ability to successfully engage with increased lethality while maximizing survivability of the SOF personnel and equipment. The SOF Combat Diving Program has been designated a Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA). SOF Combat Diving rapidly develops prototypes to advance diving equipment for the next generation family of systems. Development areas support SO-peculiar (SO-p) life support systems, marine environmental protection, navigation, propulsion, and communication systems which provides a fully outfitted Combat Diver. The total cost of the Combat Diving MTA effort is $58.561 million (FY 2019 - FY 2023), including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units modernizing SOF Combat Diving equipment to deploy from all USSOCOM maritime platforms. The Combat Diving program is fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program (FDYP). The Maritime Precision Engagement (MPE) program provides standoff, loitering, man-in-the-loop weapons systems integrated on Combatant Craft Medium and capable of targeting individuals, groups, vehicle, high value targets and small oceangoing craft with low risk of collateral damage. The total cost of the MPE MTA effort is $38.090 million (FY 2021 - FY 2025), including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. The MPE program is fully funded across the FYDP.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 1160483BB_7_0400_PB_2025
• Change Summary Explanation: FY 2023: Net decrease of $2.672 million is due to a reprogramming of funds to the Congressionally mandated Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs ($4.108 million). Additionally, an increase for Small Unmanned Surface Vehicles (SUSV) to support program establishment and SO-p modifications. FY 2024: None. FY 2025: Net increase of $30.935 million supports SOF Combat Diving ($9.734 million) for EMD, testing and rapid prototyping of new SO-p underwater mixed gas breathing apparatus and the development of associated diving procedures specific to SO-p capabilities: development of Emergency Breathing Systems and diving treatment systems supporting SO-p diving deployment from maritime platforms, next generation diver propulsion equipment with integrated thermal protection increasing range and duration in the water, development of underwater communications networks of diver-to-diver communications and optical and acoustic communication systems. This increase also supports the development of equipment SOF carry-on, battery development, materiel off gassing testing and all environmental testing required for Submarine and Dry Combat Submersible carry-on integration to deploy these prototypes with all USSOCOM maritime platforms and is aligned with the 2022 National Defense Strategy supporting SOF in the strategic competition influence, distributing our maritime operations through our assured access into contested/denied regions; an increase in Small Unmanned Surface Vessel (SUSV) for SO-p modifications, Government-off-the-Shelf (GOTS) payload and communication integration efforts to meet Special Operations Rapid Requirement Document (SORRD) requirements in FY 2025 ($2.000 million); an increase for Combatant Craft Medium (CCM) to the development of the CCM MK2 test articles to support the EMD phase ($12.000 million); a decrease in Maritime Precision Engagement (MPE) due to standing down further efforts to integrate MPE onto additional CCM MK1s and focusing on CCM MK2 integration and future production ($7.437 million); a decrease in Combatant Craft Light (CCL) due to rephasing of requirements ($2.312 million); and a decrease in Combatant Craft Mission Equipment ($0.100 million) to support emergent requirements. Additional increase details ($17.000 million) are provided under separate cover.
• Service Agency Name: United States Special Operations Command

Entities

Organizations

• United States Special Operations Command

Tags

Fields of Study

• Engineering

Readers

• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3