ASW Systems Development - MIP

The ASW Systems Development MIP program, under Program Element PE 0303354N, is a Navy Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities through technology development and prototyping. The program's primary objective is to maintain U.S. undersea warfare superiority by developing disruptive technologies for intelligence collection, analysis, and cataloging of peer and near-peer adversary submarine threats. The program is managed as a Military Intelligence Program (MIP) and is funded under the Advanced Component Development & Prototypes budget activity, which supports evaluation of integrated technologies and prototype systems in realistic operating environments.

The core line item within this program is Airborne Acoustic Intelligence (AAI). AAI's specific goals include the development and deployment of advanced mechanisms for the collection and analysis of ASW-related intelligence. It leverages systems such as the Mighty Orion, Anti-Submarine Warfare Mission Planning and Reconstruction Systems, and the Global Reconstruction and Acoustic Measurement Suite software. These systems support the full spectrum Tasking, Collection, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination of acoustic intelligence data, targeting both current and next-generation submarine vulnerabilities.

AAI's objectives also encompass providing measured intelligence data essential for designing advanced sensors, weapon systems, environmental models, and tactical decision aids. This is achieved through the use of fielded sonobuoy systems, development of the Passive Extended Range Sonobuoy System, and completion of the AN/SSQ-113 Naval Underwater Active Multi-ping sensor family. The collected data supports the Intelligence Community's need for active target strength measurement and informs future U.S. Navy Undersea Warfare capabilities.

Within the AAI program, Systems Engineering efforts focus on supporting Acoustic Intelligence and mission planning systems for certified P-8 and uncertified H-60 AAI collection platforms. Goals include enhancing the P-8 aircraft's adjunct sensor station for in-flight analysis and dissemination, evaluating software releases for Office of Naval Intelligence certification, and developing hardware and software upgrades for unique airborne avionics and sensors. These engineering activities are critical for maintaining and improving the operational effectiveness of ASW collection platforms.

The Data Collection and Analysis component supports operational wings and tactical ASW commands by utilizing advanced acoustic intelligence products. Its objectives are to collect and analyze acoustic data from high-interest targets, support threat assessments, and provide rapid feedback to the fleet. This includes characterizing and certifying upgraded collection assets, conducting data reduction and analysis, and developing mission and post-mission analysis hardware and software to address evolving adversary capabilities.

The Navy Underwater Active Multiple Ping product development line concluded in FY24 due to budget constraints and realignment to higher priorities. Its goal was to procure and test prototype sensors for active target strength measurement, supporting integrated testing and deliveries. Similarly, the Passive Extended Range Sonobuoy System product development aimed to finalize system requirements and begin design and development of the ER-DIFAR platform for the P-8A aircraft. However, funding reductions in FY26 have delayed these efforts by 18-20 months, impacting the schedule for ER-DIFAR development and deployment.