Aircraft Support Equipment

The Aircraft Support Equipment program, funded under Navy budget line item 4213, is designed to provide essential aviation support equipment for Navy and Marine Corps aircraft operations. This line item encompasses procurement and modernization of equipment critical for aircraft launch, recovery, rearming, and expeditionary airfield operations. The program supports both routine and contingency operations, ensuring fleet readiness and operational flexibility across a variety of platforms and environments. The FY 2026 budget request reflects a focus on replacing obsolete systems, integrating new technologies, and supporting evolving mission requirements. Procurement and installation activities are managed by agencies such as Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and the Naval Inventory Control Point.

Expeditionary Airfields (EAF) funding supports the acquisition of surfacing equipment, lighting systems, and arresting gear necessary for constructing and operating temporary or forward-deployed airfields. The goal is to enable rapid deployment and sustainment of aviation assets in austere or contested environments. FY 2026 objectives include procurement of lightweight matting for VTOL/VSTOL operations, infrared lighting compatible with night vision devices, and engineering change proposals to address evolving aircraft requirements and soil conditions. This equipment supports Marine Aircraft Wings and Marine Expeditionary Forces, enhancing their ability to establish Forward Arming and Refueling Points and Forward Operating Bases for missions such as medevac, assault support, and electronic warfare.

Aircraft Rearming Equipment funding is allocated for the procurement and replacement of common Armament Support Equipment and Weapons Support Equipment. These assets are essential for the safe handling, transport, and loading of munitions and ordnance on Navy and Marine Corps aircraft. FY 2026 priorities include replacement of weapons assembly tables, bomb hoists, and munitions trailers, as well as accelerated procurement to address obsolescence issues. The program also supports the fielding of new equipment for Forward Rearming and Refueling Point operations, enabling rapid rearming of aircraft in remote locations. Integrated logistics and production engineering support are included to ensure sustained operational capability and readiness for surge deployments.

Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) funding covers modernization and sustainment of systems required for safe and efficient launch and recovery of aircraft aboard carriers, amphibious assault ships, and shore stations. Major focus areas include launcher and recovery systems, visual landing aids, and aviation data management systems. FY 2026 objectives involve technical refreshes to address obsolescence, cybersecurity upgrades, and integration of commercial off-the-shelf technologies for enhanced situational awareness and cyber resiliency. Visual landing aids are being upgraded to digital systems, LED lighting, and night vision compatibility to support increased operational tempo and the integration of new aircraft types. These efforts are aligned with USMC Force Design 2030 and Commandant's Planning Guidance, supporting both Navy and Marine Corps expeditionary operations.

Natural Disaster Recovery funding is targeted at restoring mission capability following severe earthquakes that impacted Naval Air Warfare Station China Lake. The program provides for the outfitting, recalibration, and replacement of aviation support equipment damaged or rendered inoperable by the disaster. FY 2026 does not include new funding, as prior year efforts focused on propulsion lab support equipment, building outfitting, and replacement of peculiar aviation support assets. Restoration ensures that affected facilities and units can resume full operational capability, supporting both research and fleet activities.

LAMPS MK III - SRQ(KU)-4 is an over-the-horizon communications system enabling high-speed digital data links between MH-60 helicopters and surface ships. The program funds non-recurring engineering, procurement, and installation of field kits to transmit sensor data, imagery, and electronic support measures. The objective is to equip destroyers, cruisers, and shore sites, with installations managed by NAWCAD St. Inigoes. FY 2026 activities focus on finalizing installations and providing engineering and integrated logistics support, ensuring interoperability and information dominance in maritime operations.

CMV-22 Ship Change Documents funding supports modifications to aircraft carriers to accommodate the CMV-22 Osprey, which is replacing the C-2 as the Carrier On-board Delivery platform. Modifications include fire suppressant compliance, blade storage, and space realignment for maintenance and operational support. FY 2026 objectives are to complete ship modifications for CVN 68, CVN 76, and CVN 69, ensuring seamless integration of the CMV-22 and supporting the Navy's logistics and operational requirements for carrier-based aviation.