In-Service Radars and Sensors

The In-Service Radars and Sensors program, designated as Line Item (LI) 2981 in the Navy's FY 2026 budget, consolidates multiple radar and sensor sustainment and modernization efforts under a single budget activity. This realignment is intended to foster innovation and promote efficiency by grouping technology projects, as recommended by the Department of Defense (DoD) Implementation Plan from the Commission on PPBE Interim Report. The program supports procurement, engineering change proposals (ECPs), production support, and installation activities for a variety of radar and sensor systems critical to Navy surface fleet operations.

Dual Band Radar (DBR) funding within LI 2981 is focused on maintaining operational availability for the DBR systems installed on CVN 78 and DDG 1000 class ships. Objectives include sustaining the In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA) and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) production services, implementing the DBR Life Cycle Sustainment Plan, and addressing hardware and software obsolescence. A major goal is to transition DBR Signal Data Processors from obsolete IBM P6 to newer IBM P9 computers, ensuring compliance with cybersecurity requirements and continued system reliability. Additional funding supports test equipment, depot infrastructure, and technical support for deployed systems. There is increased emphasis on obsolescence engineering and OEM repairs due to the limited and aging DBR inventory.

Radar Restoration Material procurement provides mandatory replacement materials such as arrays, overhaul kits, antenna sub-assemblies, and ECPs to address obsolescence and improve supportability for in-service rotating radars. The program aims to ensure timely availability of long lead time spares and aged high-failure non-mandatory materials for depot sustainment, thereby improving operational availability and reducing performance degradation risks. Increased funding in FY26 supports additional overhaul kits and refurbishment capacity for AN/SPQ-9B and AN/SPS-48 radars.

I-Stalker (Improved Stalker) is an independent mount improvement to the Stalker Long Range Electro-Optic Sensor System (SLREOSS), fielded on CVN and LHA/LHD ship classes and planned for Constellation Class FFGs. I-Stalker enhances 360-degree situational awareness and passive detection of surface and air threats, supporting missions such as counter-UAS, force protection, and search & rescue. The program is transitioning from AN/SAY-3(V)1 to AN/SAY-3(V)2 systems, with ECPs addressing reliability and obsolescence issues. Funding covers production, installation, technical refresh, depot standup, and establishment of a training facility for system operators and maintainers.

AN/SPS-73(V) Radar provides navigation and surface search capabilities for all Navy ships. The program is upgrading legacy AN/SPS-73(V)12 systems to the Next Generation Surface Search Radar (NGSSR), which improves tracking and detection capabilities, addresses cybersecurity gaps, and mitigates commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) obsolescence. NGSSR production and installation have been accelerated in response to fleet safety reviews. Funding supports engineering changes, production support, and installation planning aligned with ship availability schedules.

AN/SPS-48G Radar Obsolescence and Availability Recovery (ROAR) supports the installation of the AN/SPS-48G 3-D Air Surveillance Radar as a replacement for the AN/SPS-48E on aircraft carriers and large-deck amphibious ships. The upgrade aims to improve reliability and reduce operation and support costs, addressing fleet concerns about the legacy system's performance. Funding is allocated for advanced planning, design services, and installation activities for the final systems in the modernization effort.

SPY-6 Family of Radars (FoR) sustains and modernizes the Navy's next-generation radar systems, including AN/SPY-6(V)1 through (V)4 variants. These radars address ballistic missile defense and air defense capability gaps and are being fielded across multiple ship classes. The program's objectives include backend equipment sustainment, technology refresh, and land-based test site modernization to validate upgrades and maintain system readiness. NSWC Port Hueneme Division serves as the Product Support Integrator, with NSWC Dahlgren Division providing software support. Funding ensures life cycle support, obsolescence management, and infrastructure for both shipboard and land-based radar operations.

SPEIR Block I delivers a common 360-degree passive electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) capability for surface ships, supporting autonomous threat detection and tracking across multiple warfare missions. The system includes wide and narrow field-of-view sensors, laser range-finding, and persistent situational awareness. Production support, ECPs, and installation funding are provided to transition the program from engineering and manufacturing development to production. Future Block II enhancements are planned for expanded capabilities and integration with the Navy's Future Integrated Combat System.

AN/SPQ-9B Radar funding supports procurement, installation, and product improvements for anti-ship missile defense radars on various ship classes, including cruisers, destroyers, amphibious ships, and Coast Guard cutters. The program includes ECPs for antenna upgrades, digital signal processors, and periscope detection kits, as well as production support for hardware, software, and cybersecurity compliance. Installation planning and support are aligned with ship availability schedules to ensure timely fielding and sustainment of these critical combat systems.