Combatant Craft Systems

The Combatant Craft Systems program, managed by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), is a comprehensive procurement initiative focused on providing advanced maritime mobility platforms and supporting systems for Special Warfare Combatant Crewman. The primary objective is to ensure that Special Operations Forces (SOF) have access to a range of specialized craft and technologies that enable the execution of special operations missions in diverse and contested maritime environments. The program encompasses procurement, integration, and sustainment of multiple classes of combatant craft, sensor suites, weapon systems, and ancillary equipment to enhance operational effectiveness and survivability.

Combatant Craft Medium (CCM) is a key component, designed as a semi-enclosed, multi-mission craft capable of supporting platoon-sized SOF teams in contested maritime environments. The CCM is optimized for missions such as maritime interdiction, insertion/extraction, and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations. Its objectives include enhancing mobility, payload capacity, and survivability, with features like shock-mitigating seats, advanced communications, and sensor upgrades. The FY 2026 budget supports procurement and integration of communication and sensor suite upgrades, including the Maritime Tactical Mission Network (MTMN), Alternate Precision, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT), and high-frequency radio enhancements to improve operational access and interoperability.

Combatant Craft Heavy (CCH) serves as a fully enclosed, climate-controlled, semi-submersible craft, primarily supporting sensitive maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The CCH is recognized for its survivability and versatility, enabling SOF to operate in highly contested environments. The program's objectives focus on maintaining and upgrading the craft to ensure continued operational relevance. Recent investments have completed capital equipment replacement and enhanced the platform's ability to support strategic competition and integrated deterrence.

Combatant Craft Forward Looking Infrared (CCFLIR) and its improved version, CCFLIR 2, provide SOF with advanced multi-sensor, electro-optic systems to enhance detection, recognition, and tracking capabilities in maritime operations. The program's goals include the procurement of line replaceable units and engineering change proposals to sustain and upgrade the sensor suite across the fleet. The integration of CCFLIR 2 supports machine learning initiatives and future automation, contributing to improved situational awareness and targeting in complex environments.

Combatant Craft Assault (CCA) is tailored for squad-sized maritime mobility and is particularly effective for VBSS and maritime interdiction missions due to its maneuverability and open deck design. The FY 2026 objectives include the procurement of new craft, government-furnished equipment, engineering change proposals, and the continued integration of CCFLIR 2 and communications enhancements. These upgrades are intended to improve the craft's operational flexibility, survivability, and interoperability with other SOF and naval assets.

Maritime Precision Engagement (MPE) is a standoff, loitering, man-in-the-loop weapon system designed for deployment on combatant craft, enabling SOF to engage a variety of targets with precision and minimal collateral damage. The program's objective is to integrate kinetic and non-kinetic effects into the CCM Mk2 production, supporting strategic competition and technological advantage for the Joint Force. The development phase concluded in FY 2025, with future integration planned as part of ongoing modernization efforts.

Special Operations Craft Riverine (SOC-R) provides short-range insertion capabilities for SOF in riverine and littoral environments, supporting regional presence and deterrence missions. The SOC-R is designed for rapid response and is transportable by C-130 aircraft, enabling flexible deployment in low to medium threat environments. The program has also supported allied operations through Ukraine Reimbursement Presidential Drawdown funding, reflecting its role in broader U.S. security cooperation and rapid crisis response.