Cooperative Engagement Capability

Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) is a Navy program funded under budget line item 2606, designed to significantly enhance Battle Force Anti-Air Warfare (AAW) capabilities. The primary goal of CEC is to integrate and coordinate all AAW sensors across the battle force, creating a single, real-time, composite track picture with fire control quality. This integration enables distributed sensor data sharing among ships and aircraft, improving defense in depth and enabling coordinated responses to both current and emerging air threats, including land attack cruise missiles in complex littoral environments.

UC001 - Cooperative Engagement Transmission Processing Set (USG-2/2A/2B) funds the procurement and installation of CEC systems on various ship classes, such as CG, DDG, CVN, and LHD, as well as land-based test sites. The objective is to backfit these platforms with advanced transmission and processing capabilities, enabling them to participate in the CEC network. The system includes the Data Distribution System and Cooperative Engagement Processor, which together provide high-capacity, jam-resistant data sharing and processing for real-time engagement and sensor cueing.

UC003 - Planar Antenna Array Assembly (PAAA) Backfit Kits support the transition from the older Shipboard Active Aperture antenna to the PAAA, which is now the program of record. The goal is to modernize fleet antenna systems to address obsolescence and improve operational availability. PAAA kits are installed on CG, DDG, CVN, LPD, and LHD ship classes. Production quantities are reduced to allow for redesign and resolution of known obsolescence issues, with procurement strategies adapting to manufacturer actuals and required design changes.

UC017 - Signal Data Processors (SDP) Capability Enhancement focuses on modernizing the SDP to support future CEC capabilities, such as Enhanced Network, NIFC Passive, and integration with Office of Naval Research's Communications and Interoperability for Integrated Fires products. Upgrades include Crypto Mod, new transmit and receive cards, and updated firmware. This effort ensures the CEC network remains resilient and interoperable with evolving technologies and mission requirements. Procurement quantities are adjusted to align with latest production contract pricing.

UC004 - Engineering Change Proposal (ECP)/Kit Procurement provides funding for the procurement and installation of ECPs and field change kits, addressing parts obsolescence and system upgrades across multiple platforms. This ensures continued compatibility and reliability of CEC systems as interfacing technologies evolve. The kits support upgrades from AN/USG-2 and AN/USG-2A to AN/USG-2B configurations, maintaining the effectiveness of the CEC network.

UC016 - System Component Upgrades allocates funds for replacing degraded or corroded CEC system components, both surface and airborne, that have exceeded their intended service life. This includes procurement of Environmental Control System Controllers, Antenna Environmental Control Units, Airborne Weapons Replaceable Assemblies, and replacement components for SBAA and PAAA antennas. The objective is to increase fleet operational availability and readiness by ensuring critical system components are maintained and upgraded as needed.

Other Supporting Line Items such as UC002 (AN/UYQ-70 Display), UC005 (Non-Recurring Depot Cost), UC006 (VISTA Training), UC008 (Supply Support), and UC830 (Production Engineering Support) provide essential infrastructure, training, supply chain, and engineering resources to sustain and advance the CEC program. These items ensure that hardware, software, and personnel are adequately supported, installations are completed efficiently, and ongoing upgrades and maintenance are managed in alignment with fleet modernization plans and Congressional directives.