Submarine Arctic W/F Development

Abstract

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 in northern latitudes of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and are advisors 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 submarine force 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. Torpedo ICEXs, occurring every four (4) years (FY 2026, FY 2030, etc.) include a Fleet requirement to conduct 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 analysis, and scientific research.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 1739_0603562N_4_1319_PB_2025

Tags

Readers

• Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies
• Polar and Arctic Studies