Electromagnetic Systems Advanced Technology

The Electromagnetic Systems Advanced Technology program, identified as Program Element (PE) 0603271N in the Department of the Navy's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, is focused on advancing technologies critical to the Navy and Marine Corps' use of the electromagnetic spectrum. The primary objective is to support distributed maritime operations through the development of sophisticated electronics systems that enable information flow, detection, tracking, and engagement of weapon systems. The program is managed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), which oversees the Department of the Navy's portfolio of basic and applied research, as well as advanced technology development, in alignment with the National Defense Strategy and the Naval R&D Framework.

Within the Electromagnetic Systems Advanced Technology line, a significant portion of funding is allocated to the development and demonstration of advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities. The program's goals include enhancing Communications, Electronic Attack (EA), Electronic Surveillance (ES), and Radar functions. Technology development is closely coordinated with acquisition programs of record to ensure smooth transition of mature technologies. Specific objectives include developing advanced EW enabling technologies such as electronic support (ES) systems, decoys and countermeasures against weapon tracking and guidance, and electronic attack (EA) capabilities targeting adversary command, control, communications, computers, cyber defense, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting (C5ISRT) systems.

The program also emphasizes the development of Electronic Protection (EP) technologies to safeguard U.S. weapons and C5ISRT systems from both intentional and unintentional interference. Continuous refinement of EW concepts, techniques, and designs is based on analytical products and test and evaluation activities. The program incorporates Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) methods for technology identification and exploration, which supports both operational employment and training. These efforts are intended to ensure that EW capabilities remain adaptive and responsive to evolving threats and operational requirements.

Another major objective within this program is the advancement of Global Positioning System (GPS) and Navigation Technology, with a focus on Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) capabilities. The program seeks to develop affordable and robust PNT solutions that do not rely solely on GPS, thereby mitigating vulnerabilities to electronic threats. Research priorities include the development of atomic clocks with long-term stability and precision, as well as compact, low-cost inertial navigation systems (INS).

The program supports alternative navigation solutions such as Optical Doppler Velocity Log and Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS) based gyroscopes, and is working on prototype inertial measurement systems and atomic accelerometer technologies.

In FY 2025 and FY 2026, the program plans to continue the development of components and systems for alternative PNT solutions, complete research into navigation systems for Marine Corps platforms, and initiate work on prototype inertial measurement systems. Efforts will also focus on the maturation and integration of atomic accelerometer systems, with an emphasis on miniaturization and improved motion compensation. These advancements are intended to increase the operational effectiveness and resilience of naval units in contested environments where GPS may be denied or degraded.

The Congressional Adds line item, specifically the FY 2024 congressional add for Augmented, context-based identity awareness, provided funding for the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms for object recognition. This effort supported the creation of algorithms and network integration for multiple defense-related applications, enhancing the Navy's ability to identify and track objects in complex operational environments. No additional congressional adds are planned for FY 2025 under this line item.

The Electromagnetic Systems Advanced Technology program is designed to support the Navy's transition to network-centric warfare by integrating radar, EW, and communications functions across platforms. The program's research and development activities are structured to achieve Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) of 4 to 6, focusing on laboratory validation, relevant environment validation, and prototype demonstration. These efforts are justified by the need to maintain maritime superiority, deter conflict, and ensure the safety and effectiveness of naval forces in an increasingly contested electromagnetic environment.