ASW Systems Development

The ASW Systems Development program, identified as Program Element (PE) 0603254N in the Department of the Navy's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, is focused on advancing the effectiveness of airborne Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities. The primary objective of this program is to develop and mature advanced hardware and software for use in detecting, classifying, localizing, and tracking submarine threats, including both conventionally and nuclear-powered submarines. The program is funded under the Advanced Component Development and Prototypes (ACD&P) budget activity, which supports the evaluation of integrated technologies and prototype systems in high-fidelity, realistic environments.

Within this program, the principal line item is the effort to improve ASW effectiveness by developing advanced airborne acoustic and non-acoustic subsystems. The focus is on enhancing sensors and components, as well as data recording, processing, and display capabilities, to address emerging near-peer threats. Specific goals include the advancement of both active and passive sensor technologies, improved multi-sensor data handling, and the maturation of persistent tactical search technologies that support the transition from search to localization and attack phases in operational scenarios.

Development and testing efforts include new sonobuoy communication links, distributed netted sensors, transient signal processing, and both source and receiver technologies. These activities are intended to enhance the Navy's passive and multistatic active sensor systems, providing greater detection range and accuracy. The program also supports experimentation with next-generation multistatic sources and receivers, passive sensors and processors, and non-acoustic detection technologies, with the goal of transitioning matured technologies to acquisition programs of record for future deployment on ASW platforms.

A key element of the program is the production and use of RDT&E test articles, which include sensors, components, and associated processing systems. These articles are employed and expended during in-water experimentation and system performance assessments. Planned activities include initiating airborne system demonstrations of a new sensor suite, beginning development of prototype components for future blocks, and maturing passive sensor components. Future efforts will focus on finalizing prototype activities in preparation for acquisition decisions, while continuing development of additional components.

The program's acquisition strategy is to develop and mature both acoustic and non-acoustic ASW technologies that address documented capability gaps and meet Fleet requirements. As technologies reach sufficient maturity, they are transitioned to acquisition programs of record for operational deployment. The program's funding supports a range of activities including hardware development, software engineering, studies and analysis, developmental testing and evaluation, and both government and contractor engineering support. Major performing activities include the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) at Patuxent River, MD, and various industry partners.

Budget adjustments for FY 2026 reflect a reduction in funding due to higher Navy priorities and efforts to promote government efficiency in line with Executive Order 14222. This results in a decrease in government and contractor engineering support. Despite these adjustments, the program remains focused on supporting key demonstrations, trade studies, and technology maturation activities, including over-the-side and airborne demonstrations, algorithm development, and engineering measurement through FY 2026.