CANES

The Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) program is the Navy's primary initiative for modernizing and replacing legacy afloat network infrastructure with a cyber-hardened, resilient hardware, software, and enterprise services solution. The overarching goal of CANES is to enable robust information warfare capabilities at the tactical edge, supporting platforms, sites, and personnel operating in high-threat environments where reliable, secure connectivity is essential for survival and mission success.

CANES provides a unified network infrastructure for Unclassified, Coalition, Secret, and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) enclaves across a wide array of Navy assets, including surface combatants, submarines, logistics vessels, maritime operations centers, and Aegis Ashore sites. It supports a broad array of hosted applications and systems, including Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Information Operations, Logistics, and Business domains. Programs such as Distributed Common Ground System-Navy, Global Command and Control System-Maritime, Naval Tactical Command Support System, and Undersea Warfare Decision Support System now rely on CANES for their network infrastructure, rather than maintaining independent hardware solutions.

The program leverages commercial off-the-shelf hardware and software to reduce costs and development time, and employs commercial IT approaches such as DevSecOps for rapid upgrades and streamlined lifecycle management. The FY26 budget request for CANES reflects a strategic increase in funding to address urgent modernization needs and mitigate cyber security threats. The procurement plan includes Initial CANES Afloat units, Afloat Technical Insertion units, and Ashore Technical Insertion units, along with integration and installation costs for units procured in previous years.

The program also includes rapid deployment of Agile Enclave units, which are designed to deliver urgently needed cybersecurity upgrades and increased networking capability in response to emerging threats. Agile Enclave efforts are aligned with Joint Department of Defense priorities and support real-world operations, with additional details available at higher classification levels.

CANES - Afloat Non-MIP is the largest subcomponent of the program, focusing on the procurement, integration, and installation of CANES units aboard ships and submarines. The FY26 funding supports both initial installations and technical insertions, which are hardware and software refreshes for previously installed platforms. The program utilizes a Multi Award Contract structure with multiple vendors, ensuring competitive procurement and timely delivery. Installation schedules are coordinated with platform modernization windows and supported by the Naval Information Warfare Command Fleet Readiness Directorate, which manages installation teams across fleet concentration areas.

CANES - Ashore Non-MIP targets shore-based installations, such as Maritime Operations Centers. The FY26 budget supports technical insertion units for these sites, ensuring that shore-based command and control capabilities remain interoperable and cyber-secure. Like the afloat component, ashore installations are planned to align with modernization windows and leverage competitive procurement among the same pool of vendors. Production support and design services are funded to ensure successful integration and sustainment of CANES capabilities at these critical shore sites.

The program's Continuous Capability Delivery Framework is a key objective, enabling regular technical updates and modular cyber threat upgrades to maintain network resilience and readiness. CANES is evolving to incorporate advanced technologies such as cloud computing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, ensuring that the Navy's tactical networks remain at the forefront of digital innovation. Continuous Process Improvement initiatives further enhance delivery speed and quality, supporting the Navy's goal of maintaining operational superiority in the information domain.