Central Test and Evaluation Investment Development (CTEIP)

The Central Test and Evaluation Investment Program (CTEIP), managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is a Department-wide initiative focused on developing and upgrading high-priority Test and Evaluation (T&E) capabilities to support joint and multi-Service requirements. The program's primary objective is to ensure the Department of Defense (DoD) maintains state-of-the-art infrastructure and tools necessary to test rapidly emerging technologies and weapon systems. CTEIP investments are strategically aligned with national defense priorities, including hypersonics, directed energy, cyber, electronic warfare, nuclear effects, space, autonomy, and multi-domain operations. By leveraging a corporate investment approach, CTEIP consolidates T&E needs across Services and agencies, maximizing joint efforts and minimizing duplication.

Hypersonics is a major focus area for CTEIP, with specific goals to develop advanced ground test complexes and wind tunnels in partnership with private industry. These facilities are designed to address aerodynamic, aerothermal, and propulsion testing needs for hypersonic boost glide and scramjet weapon systems. The program also funds the development of mid-pressure arc heaters, next-generation aeroshell test capabilities, and improved sled track rockets for high-speed ground testing. Additional objectives include enhancing modeling and simulation tools for thermal analysis and weather erosion prediction, as well as upgrading radar tracking and measurement systems to support hypersonic vehicle testing at various sites.

Directed Energy investments under CTEIP aim to improve the Department's ability to test and validate High Power Microwave (HPM) and High Energy Laser (HEL) systems. Key objectives include developing advanced diagnostic and data recording systems, remote target sensors for HPM effects, and frequency-agile threat sources for vulnerability testing. The program also supports the creation of ruggedized vibration tables for HEL systems and portable electronic field sensors for wide-area measurement of HPM effectiveness against airborne threats. These efforts are intended to accelerate the development and deployment of directed energy technologies for counter-UAS and other defense applications.

Cyber and Electronic Warfare capabilities are being expanded through the development of avionics test beds, RF cybersecurity tools, and upgrades to missile attitude instrumentation. CTEIP supports the creation of secure electromagnetic ranges, VHF threat simulators, and closed-loop radar systems to replicate advanced surface-to-air missile threats. The program also funds enhancements to Integrated Air Defense System (IADS) emulation, radar cross section measurement, and digital modeling and simulation environments for electronic warfare testing. These investments are designed to ensure the DoD can validate and improve the resilience of its systems against evolving cyber and electronic threats.

Nuclear Effects and Space testing infrastructure is being upgraded to assess the vulnerability of missile components and other systems to nuclear and space radiation environments. Objectives include enhancing single event effects testing capacity, upgrading survivability and vulnerability test facilities, and developing dual laser threat simulation capabilities for space-based ISR sensors. CTEIP also supports the development of autonomous systems test environments, including digital and open-air range capabilities for ground and maritime autonomous vehicles. Modeling and simulation tools are being advanced to evaluate anti-ship weapon lethality using artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Common Range Instrumentation investments focus on improving diagnostics and tracking systems for counter-UAS operations, developing advanced optical range tracking, and implementing modular data collection solutions to reduce size, weight, and power requirements. The program also funds upgrades to maritime long-range fires test assets, open ocean weapons impact scoring systems, and vehicle chassis simulators to support heavy vehicle testing. These enhancements are intended to increase efficiency, reduce testing costs, and enable more accurate data collection across DoD test ranges and facilities.