Directed Energy Systems

The Directed Energy Systems line item (LI 5510) in the Navy's FY 2026 budget is focused on the procurement and sustainment of advanced directed energy weapon systems, with particular emphasis on the AN/SEQ-4 Optical Dazzler Interdictor Navy (ODIN) program. The primary objective is to provide the Fleet with speed-of-light engagement capabilities for countering intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C-ISR) threats, especially those posed by unmanned aerial systems and platforms equipped with electro-optical/infra-red sensors. These systems are designed to enhance battlespace awareness and reduce reliance on traditional defensive missiles and projectiles, resulting in operational and cost efficiencies.

The ODIN program was initiated in FY 2018 in response to urgent operational needs for shipboard C-ISR capabilities. ODIN's mission is to counter EO/IR sensors by dazzling or disrupting adversary surveillance systems at long and very long ranges. The system is installed on DDG 51 Flight IIA surface combatants, with eight units fully developed and deployed. ODIN uses multiple low-power lasers for multi-band optical dazzling, enabling the Navy to non-lethally determine threat intent and degrade adversary ISR capabilities beyond the range of small arms fire.

For FY 2026, the budget request supports several key objectives. Funding will be used for the procurement of spare parts and assemblies to maintain operational readiness of the eight deployed ODIN systems. This includes addressing diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages, ensuring that critical components remain available for ongoing fleet support. The budget also provides for backfit upgrades through Engineering Change Proposals, which are necessary to resolve emergent reliability issues, address obsolescence of critical parts, and incorporate technological advancements into the existing systems.

The line item is further broken down into specific sub-elements: ILS/Production Support, Engineering Change Proposals, Spares, and Tech Refresh. ILS/Production Support funding is allocated to maintain the government's ability to repair failed system components, provide Failure Reporting Analysis and Corrective Action System support, and sustain hardware and software maintenance. Engineering Change Proposal funding in FY 2026 will be used for non-recurring engineering costs associated with system upgrades and addressing obsolescence, though the amount is reduced from FY 2025 due to fewer ODIN-equipped ships being deployed.

The Spares component of the budget is focused on procuring long lead-time spares and repair parts for critical system components, ensuring that failures during shipboard operations can be addressed promptly. The decrease in spares funding from FY 2025 to FY 2026 reflects the reduced number of ODIN-equipped ships available for deployment. The Tech Refresh allocation is intended to replace older components and sub-systems with newer, more capable versions, updating the configuration infrastructure and maintaining system performance and readiness.

Justification for the FY 2026 request also includes a minor reduction in civilian personnel costs to optimize the workforce in compliance with Executive Order 14210, which aims to enhance government efficiency. The Directed Energy Systems line item is structured to ensure the continued operational effectiveness of the Navy's directed energy capabilities, address emerging threats, and maintain technological relevance through targeted investments in sustainment, upgrades, and modernization activities.