DCGS-N

The Distributed Common Ground System-Navy (DCGS-N) is a collaborative initiative involving various services, agencies, and the Department of Defense. Its primary objective is to develop systems that efficiently receive, process, exploit, and disseminate data from airborne and national reconnaissance platforms. This system is part of the broader DCGS Family of Systems under the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. The architecture of DCGS ensures compatibility and interoperability across all Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems within the services.

A key component of DCGS-N is its integration with the Common Data Fabric (CDF), managed by the Defense Intelligence Agency. This integration enhances access and sharing of ISR information across joint forces using standardized enterprise services. The system supports Joint Task Force-level operations by providing critical intelligence for battle management and maintaining tactical advantages over adversaries. The DCGS-N Afloat and Ashore systems are crucial for processing tactical intelligence such as Imagery Intelligence (IMINT), Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT), and Signal Intelligence (SIGINT).

The program also focuses on researching and assessing emerging technologies to ensure superiority in the intelligence domain. The DCGS-N Increment 2 Tactical Edge Equipment updates existing hardware to address obsolescence issues and improve performance. This includes installing new sensor racks that support cyber reciprocity between Ashore and Afloat Baselines. Additionally, the Intelligence Carry-On Program enhances multi-source intelligence capabilities by integrating commercial off-the-shelf applications with shared storage for better data sharing with Maritime Operations Centers.

DCGS-N Increment 2 aims to streamline analytical efforts through transformational technologies, optimizing targeting solutions for operators. It leverages enterprise solutions to share information across commands, promoting shared situational awareness. Incremental software upgrades are planned based on fleet feedback to address shortfalls in Tasking, Collection, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination capabilities. This approach ensures that the Navy can effectively manage new ISR platforms being fielded by Navy, Joint, and Allied forces in future operations.