Innovative Naval Prototypes (INP) Advanced Technology Development

The Innovative Naval Prototypes (INP) Advanced Technology Development program, managed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), is designed to mature high-risk, high-payoff technologies that have the potential to revolutionize naval operational concepts. The program's goal is to advance promising concepts from early applied research to prototype demonstrations in relevant environments. INPs are selected by senior Navy leadership and focus on disruptive capabilities that could lead to new acquisition programs, with a typical three-year cycle between decision points. The program funds advanced technology development activities, including subsystem and component development, integration, and field experiments to validate operational utility and production feasibility.

METEOR aims to address capability gaps in Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) for Navy surface combatants by demonstrating the integration of High Power Microwave (HPM) payloads onto naval platforms. The objectives include developing a ship-based HPM weapon with low cost-per-shot, deep magazine, and rapid multi-target engagement capabilities. METEOR builds on previous hardware to produce a prototype for at-sea demonstration, focusing on open-air propagation, shipboard integration, electronics effects testing, and development of automated engagement algorithms. The project also includes mission modeling and effects refinement to inform future system design and integration into ship combat systems.

High Energy Laser Counter ASCM Project (HELCAP) is focused on expediting the development and demonstration of laser weapon systems to defeat crossing Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles (ASCM). Key technical challenges addressed include atmospheric turbulence, precision tracking, advanced beam control, and automated engagement sequencing. HELCAP activities involve technology assessments, laser lethality investigations, and subsystem testing in simulated environments. The project supports the maturation of beam control and director subsystems, with technology transitioned to follow-on directed energy programs.

ELEKTRA is developing Human on the Loop artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for force-level kinetic and non-kinetic kill chain optimization across multiple domains. The goal is to enable autonomous coordination and resource management at machine-to-machine speeds, enhancing lethality and survivability. Efforts include AI/ML functionality for surface and air platforms, human-machine interface development, and demonstrations in live, virtual, and at-sea environments. The project evaluates complex kill chains and battle management in multi-platform scenarios, aiming to increase operational effectiveness in degraded environments.

MINERVA seeks to improve decision quality and reduce timelines in multi-domain operations against peer adversaries by developing AI/ML-enabled decision aids for mission planning, intelligence, execution, and assessment. The project combines operations research with emerging AI to support Composite Warfare Commanders and their staffs. Key objectives include multi-objective planners for asset optimization, operational plan assignments, machine workflow learning algorithms, and integration of undersea weapons effects. MINERVA also explores resilient logistics models and contested supply chain management to enhance operational planning.

Full Spectrum Undersea Warfare (FSUW) develops technologies for offensive and defensive operations on the seabed, subsea, and from the sea, supporting Theatre Undersea Warfare, Joint Targeting, and Subsea/Seabed Warfare. The project collaborates with STRATCOM, INDO-PACOM, and Fleet Commanders to validate thrust areas such as undersea effectors, integrated expeditionary systems, multi-vehicle deployment, and undersea UAVs. Activities include prototype development for Virginia-class submarines, operational demonstrations, and spiral development of next-generation systems to support future undersea weapon systems and campaign plans.

Long Range Targeting (LRT) focuses on enabling integrated long-range naval fires through the development of HF Over-the-Horizon Radar (OTHR) and forward-based identification technologies. The project invests in OTH radar antennas, HF arrays, signal processing, and electronic surveillance to fill gaps in long-range fires kill chains. Efforts include prototype development, system-level testing, and integration of radar tracks for improved targeting and identification capabilities.

Super Swarm (SS) develops autonomous control systems for multi-domain, heterogeneous swarms of unmanned systems, supporting both offensive and defensive operations. The project aims to optimize swarm behaviors, cooperative task allocation, and route planning for large-scale robotic warfare. Super Swarm technologies are leveraged by other Navy unmanned vehicle programs and include full-scale force-on-force experimentation and integration with deployment platforms.

Manufacture of Autonomous Systems at Scale (MASS) addresses the need for rapid production and life-cycle management of unmanned systems to enable fielding in large quantities. The project utilizes advanced manufacturing methods, adaptive digital design, and modular component development to achieve affordable attritability and supply chain resilience. MASS also explores expeditionary batch manufacturing and forward-deployed production capabilities to reduce logistics and accelerate fleet delivery.

Deployment & Employment of Autonomous Long Range Systems (DEALRS) develops technologies to enable low-cost unmanned systems capable of penetrating and operating within adversary Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) environments. The project focuses on increasing range and endurance, marsupial launch capabilities, and autonomous startup and launch of terminal engagement systems. DEALRS demonstrates trans-oceanic deployment and large-scale swarm delivery concepts to sidestep or deplete adversary A2/AD capabilities.

Manned and Autonomous Teams (MATes) aims to develop collaborative autonomous behaviors and intuitive interfaces for seamless operation of autonomous systems with manned units. The project supports real-time adaptation, optimization, and trust between human and autonomous teammates, enabling large-scale management of autonomous assets in support of manned operations. Activities include autonomy, perception, and command and control concepts for complex multi-domain missions and validation of human-autonomy interaction.

REDCAT demonstrates High Power Microwave (HPM) integration for naval air defense, supplementing kinetic weapons with non-kinetic capabilities. The project advances HPM source and antenna technologies, sensor integration, and novel RF waveforms to improve effectiveness. REDCAT provides rapid engagement for large threat raid defeat and integrated kill chain capabilities, with test bed demonstrations informing system requirements and ship deployable designs.

Chimera supports advanced technology research in Information Warfare, with specific details at a higher classification. The project delivers initial capabilities and continues development efforts aligned with Navy information warfare priorities.

Precision Fire Control (PFC) develops high-precision, high-update rate fire control architectures to enable cruise missile defense with small, low-cost interceptors. The project includes design and prototyping of fire control elements, procurement of test units, guidance testing, and combat systems integration studies. PFC aims to increase the number of interceptors per ship or base and support layered defense for surface combatants and expeditionary forces.

Congressional Adds include targeted projects such as the GYPSY long-range loitering munition, advanced missile seeker research, HEL testing and maturation, and combined fiber laser arrays. These efforts address specific capability gaps and technology opportunities identified by Congress, supplementing the broader INP portfolio with focused research and development activities.