Digital Warfare Office

The Digital Warfare program element (PE 0604027N) is a Navy Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing digital capabilities for the Department of the Navy. The overarching goal of this program is to develop, prototype, and integrate advanced digital technologies including secure communications, artificial intelligence (AI), and decision support tools to enhance the Navy's operational effectiveness in contested and rapidly evolving digital environments. The program supports a range of classified projects, each targeting specific technological advancements aligned with the Navy's digital modernization strategy.

Common Weapon Datalink Radio (Project 3253) is a key line item under the Digital Warfare program, with funding allocated through FY 2024. The primary objective of this project is to research and develop secure, resilient, and interoperable datalink radios for weapon systems. These radios are intended to enable real-time, robust communication between naval platforms and their deployed munitions, supporting precision targeting, dynamic retasking, and improved situational awareness. The project emphasizes the need for secure and jam-resistant communications in contested environments, directly supporting the Navy's goals for network-centric warfare and integrated fires.

Decision Support Tools and AI Development (Project 3255) is another major component of the Digital Warfare program, with significant funding planned through FY 2026. This project is focused on developing advanced decision support systems and operationalizing artificial intelligence for Navy applications. The objectives include the creation of AI-enabled tools that can process large volumes of operational data, automate routine analysis, and provide actionable insights to commanders and operators. These efforts are designed to accelerate decision-making, improve mission planning, and enhance the Navy's ability to operate effectively in complex, data-rich environments.

Digital Warfare (Project 3425) serves as the central line for the broader digital transformation initiatives within the Navy. This project encompasses the research, development, and prototyping of digital warfare capabilities, including cyber operations, electronic warfare, and digital command and control systems. The objectives are to ensure the Navy maintains technological superiority in the digital domain, can defend against emerging cyber threats, and can leverage digital tools for operational advantage. The project also supports the integration of new digital technologies into existing naval platforms and systems, ensuring interoperability and resilience.

Congressional Adds (Project 9999) represent targeted funding provided by Congress for specific technology initiatives within the Digital Warfare program. For FY 2024, this includes funding for the Software Radio for Weapons and Autonomous Vehicle Enablement initiative, managed in coordination with the Air Force at Eglin Air Force Base. The goal of this add is to accelerate the development of software-defined radios that can be integrated into both weapon systems and autonomous vehicles, enabling greater flexibility, interoperability, and mission adaptability across joint force operations.

The Digital Warfare program is managed by various Navy systems commands (SYSCOMs) and program executive offices (PEOs), with acquisition strategies and technical details classified and reported to Congress in secure channels. The program's justification centers on the need for rapid technological advancement to counter peer and near-peer adversaries in the digital battlespace. Investments in these projects are justified by the increasing complexity of modern warfare, the proliferation of advanced digital threats, and the imperative to maintain information dominance.