AN/SQQ-89 Surf ASW Combat System

The AN/SQQ-89 Surface Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Combat System line item (LI 2136) in the FY 2026 Navy budget supports the procurement, modernization, and sustainment of integrated undersea warfare capabilities for surface combatants. This program consolidates multiple related efforts under the Other Procurement, Navy account, specifically within Communications & Electronics Equipment and Ship Sonars. The goal is to rapidly increase Navy lethality in both the submarine and surface fleet, in alignment with the National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and National Military Strategy.

AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Surface Ship ASW Combat System is the primary program under this line item. Sponsored by OPNAV N96, it delivers integrated USW combat management, fire control, command and control, and onboard training for surface combatants operating in open ocean and littoral environments. The system is installed on CG47 and DDG51 class ships and is being upgraded to the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 variant to improve ship survivability against torpedo attacks, enhance lethality, and address obsolescence through Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) hardware. The upgrade includes advanced sonar sensors, torpedo defense capabilities, and interoperability with the AEGIS Weapons System. Technology insertion and refresh cycles are programmed to maintain threat pacing, manage obsolescence, and reduce total ownership costs.

Aircraft Carrier Tactical Support Center (CV-TSC), sponsored by OPNAV N98, provides ASW and Surface Warfare (SUW) combat capability to aircraft carriers, supporting the Tactical Action Officer and Carrier Strike Group Sea Combat Commander. The CV-TSC program validates and certifies engineering changes, implements hardware and software upgrades, and resolves deficiencies and information assurance issues identified through fleet use. It ensures interoperability with current and future interfaces, supports mission data exchange, and enhances embedded simulation and training capabilities. These efforts improve carrier self-defense and mission planning.

Sonar Dome Rubber Window (SDRW), sponsored by OPNAV N96, is a sustainment and emergency replacement program for the AN/SQS-53 sonar dome rubber windows installed on CG47 and DDG51 class ships. The SDRW program ensures the availability of wire-reinforced, pressurized rubber acoustic windows and attachment hardware, which are critical for maintaining sonar performance and ship mission readiness. The program includes production engineering, technical evaluations, failure analysis, and the incorporation of new design and fabrication technologies to address corrosion, fatigue, and impact damage.

Undersea Warfare Decision Support System (USW-DSS), sponsored by OPNAV N2N6, is the Navy's program of record for ASW command and control net-centric systems. USW-DSS provides an integrated, near-real-time Common Tactical Picture (CTP) and Common Operational Picture (COP) for Carrier Strike Groups, supporting effective planning and execution of USW operations. The system optimizes sensor placement, manages resources, and delivers vulnerability assessments. USW-DSS is installed on CVNs, DDGs, FFGs, and supporting shore nodes, with ongoing technology refreshes to maintain compatibility with the Consolidated Afloat Network and Enterprise Services (CANES) and to deliver timely software improvements, cybersecurity patches, and expanded data fusion capabilities.

The FY 2026 budget request for LI 2136 includes funding for procurement and installation of AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 upgrades on DDG51 class ships, technology refreshes for previously fielded systems, emergency SDRW replacements, and expansion of USW-DSS shore and afloat capabilities. Cost elements include non-recurring engineering, engineering changes, integrated logistics support, AEGIS integration events, ship qualification trials, operational test and evaluation, and training system upgrades. The request also reflects a realignment and merger of USW Support funding to streamline program management and execution.