Command and Control Systems

The COMMAND AND CONTROL program element (PE 0604231N) in the Navy's FY2026 budget is focused on the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of advanced command and control (C2) capabilities across a variety of mission areas. The overarching goal is to modernize and integrate the Navy's C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) systems to support both peacetime and wartime operations, leveraging digital engineering, DevSecOps, and emerging technologies. This program element is comprised of several distinct but interrelated projects, each with specific objectives aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness, cyber resilience, and interoperability within the Navy and with joint and allied forces.

The Tactical Support Center provides agile, evolutionary upgrades to ground-based C4ISR systems supporting the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force (MPRF). The focus for FY2026 is on transitioning to a modular, cloud-based architecture, incorporating Model Based Systems Engineering and DevSecOps practices. Objectives include supporting higher classification operations, integrating new mission planning software, and reducing the size, weight, and power (SWaP) requirements of deployable systems. The program supports both fixed and mobile Tactical Operations Centers, as well as Fly Away Kits, ensuring robust pre-flight, inflight, and post-flight support for platforms like the P-8A Poseidon and MQ-4C Triton.

Tactical METOC Applications and Fleet METOC Equipment focus on advancing meteorological and oceanographic (METOC) capabilities. Development efforts include the Naval Integrated Tactical Environmental System Next Generation, which provides cyber-secure, real-time environmental data and decision aids for mission planning and execution across multiple warfare domains. FY2026 objectives include expanding cloud-based capabilities, supporting denied and degraded environments, and integrating METOC data with combat systems. Additional efforts continue engineering enhancements for Littoral Battlespace Sensing Unmanned Undersea Vehicles and modernizing Environmental Satellite Receiver Processor systems to improve environmental data collection and dissemination for tactical decision-making.

Deployable Joint Command and Control delivers a rapidly deployable, modular C2 capability to Geographic Combatant Commands and Joint Task Forces. FY2026 goals include advancing systems engineering, integrating emerging cybersecurity technologies, and supporting cloud adoption strategies. This capability is designed for rapid setup and interoperability with joint and coalition partners, supporting both combat and humanitarian operations. Test bed activities will focus on validating cloud migration, zero trust architectures, and mission network interoperability, especially in denied or limited bandwidth environments.

Naval Operations Business Logistics Enterprise is the Navy's logistics IT modernization effort, encompassing the Naval Operational Supply System, Naval Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul, and the Logistics Integrated Data Environment. FY2026 objectives include piloting and prototyping commercial off-the-shelf solutions for supply and maintenance management, integrating data across operational and maintenance systems, and enhancing cyber security and audit readiness. The program aims to improve readiness analytics, enable real-time decision-making, and support a large user base across afloat and ashore environments. Recent acquisition strategy changes have shifted focus to competitive agreements for rapid prototyping and integration.

Navy Air Operations Command and Control supports the integration and testing of Air Force-developed air operations planning systems within Navy networks. The FY2026 focus is on DevSecOps integration with the Navy's CANES infrastructure, automating testing and validation, and enhancing joint interoperability for air operations planning and execution. The replacement system will provide more flexible, cloud-native capabilities for distributed planning and real-time mission management.

FORCEnet funds Information Warfare Portfolio Health Assessments, providing mission engineering, digital architecture development, and gap analysis for Navy information warfare capabilities. FY2026 objectives include expanding system-of-systems engineering analyses, identifying integration and interoperability gaps, and supporting decision-making for future science and technology investments. The project delivers analytic products and digital architectures to stakeholders across the Navy, ensuring that information warfare capabilities are aligned with operational needs and emerging threats.