Aerial Targets

The Aerial Targets program (LI 2280) within the Navy's Weapons Procurement budget is designed to provide threat-representative aerial targets for test and evaluation (T&E) and fleet training events. The overall objective is to ensure that Navy ship self-defense systems and fleet personnel are adequately prepared to counter current and emerging Anti-Ship Cruise Missile (ASCM) and Air-to-Air threats. The program supports both independent operational test and evaluation prior to fielding new systems and ongoing fleet readiness training. The assets procured are critical for evaluating combat and weapon system performance and improving fleet proficiency in counter-ASCM, Air-to-Air, and self-defense missions.

Subsonic Aerial Targets funding in FY 2026 supports the procurement of BQM-177A targets, as well as associated mission kits, avionics upgrades, modifications, and engineering change proposals. The BQM-177A provides high subsonic, sea-skimming ASCM threat emulation for both fleet training and the testing of ship self-defense weapon systems. Additionally, BQM-167A targets are procured for Navy Weapon System Evaluation Program (NWSEP) events, which are essential for live-fire air-to-air training and missile system follow-on operational testing. The program also continues to support the BQM-34S platform, which offers increased payload capacity for radar and electronic warfare threat emulation. Funding covers hardware, software, and obsolescence modifications to keep pace with evolving threat profiles and training requirements.

Supersonic Targets acquisition in FY 2026 focuses on the procurement of GQM-163A Supersonic Sea Skimming Targets and associated boosters, as well as modifications and support equipment. The GQM-163A is capable of replicating supersonic ASCM threats with speeds exceeding Mach 2.5 and sea-skimming or high-dive flight profiles. Funding also supports the AQM-88 Supersonic Air Launch Target (SALT) modification, which converts AGM-88 HARM missiles into inert targets for fleet training. The program leverages combined FY 2025 and FY 2026 funding to achieve better economies of scale and offset higher unit costs, particularly for booster integration and modernization of industrial tooling. These assets are used for both test and evaluation of ship defense systems and for fleet training events, including multinational exercises such as Formidable Shield.

Full Scale Aerial Target (FSAT) funding in recent years supported the QF-16 program, which provides full-scale, remotely controlled F-16 aircraft as threat-representative targets. These targets are used for advanced weapons system testing, including Joint Strike Fighter, AIM-9X, AIM-120 AMRAAM, and Standard Missile-6 programs. As of FY 2025 and FY 2026, Navy production of QF-16 FSATs has ended, with sustainment and support transitioning to the Air Force, which is evaluating options for the next generation of full-scale aerial targets.

Target Augmentation and Auxiliary Systems (TA/AS) funding in FY 2026 is dedicated to procuring and maintaining ground control systems, scoring equipment, navigation hardware, and threat simulator payloads. These systems are essential for the safe operation of all aerial targets and for replicating electronic attack and radar emissions found on current threat missiles. The Target Mission Support Systems (TMSS) and Target Threat Simulation Program (TTSP) provide high-fidelity simulation environments for both training and T&E events. Funding also supports upgrades to common avionics equipment, addressing obsolescence and enabling more accurate tracking and reporting for close-in weapons system testing.

Each component of the Aerial Targets program is justified by the need to maintain readiness and ensure that Navy combat systems are capable of countering increasingly sophisticated threats. The procurement quantities and funding levels are determined by forecasted test and evaluation requirements, fleet training needs, and the pace of technological change in adversary missile and aircraft capabilities. The program also emphasizes cost efficiency through combined funding strategies and ongoing modernization efforts in both hardware and support systems.