Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)

The Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) budget line item (LI 2914) for the Navy is designed to enhance the service's ability to collect, process, exploit, and disseminate intelligence data from a variety of sources. The primary goal is to provide Navy and Joint forces with timely, actionable intelligence for operational and tactical decision-making. This line item supports the procurement and modernization of systems under the Distributed Common Ground System-Navy (DCGS-N) Family of Systems, which is the Navy's implementation of the Department of Defense's DCGS architecture. The DCGS-N program integrates data from airborne, spaceborne, subsurface, and surface ISR assets, and is structured to ensure interoperability and compatibility with other service ISR systems.

The Intelligence Carry-On Program (ICOP) is a key component of this budget line, focusing on the delivery of multi-source intelligence and analytical capabilities at the unit level. ICOP provides a three-dimensional operational picture, supports full motion video processing, and enables the exploitation of Electronic Intelligence and Communications Intelligence data. The program leverages Commercial Off-the-Shelf and Government Off-the-Shelf applications, enabling tactical users to access and share intelligence with Maritime Operations Centers and national ISR systems. Procurement objectives for FY 2026 include workstations, workstation technology refreshes, and Communications Module set technology refreshes, all aimed at maintaining a modern and effective edge computing capability afloat and ashore.

DCGS-N Increment 2 Ashore advances the Navy's ability to streamline analytical efforts and improve targeting solutions. This increment delivers all-source fusion, maritime domain awareness, and integrated Tasking, Collection, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination capabilities. The program is structured to provide incremental software releases, allowing for continuous technology insertion and fleet feedback. The budget supports procurement of workstation nodes for ashore installations, as well as associated installation activities. These enhancements are intended to address existing shortfalls and prepare for increased data volumes from new ISR platforms.

DCGS-N Increment 2 (Afloat) is focused on improving the Navy's ability to detect, identify, and predict maritime threats by accelerating access to intelligence community and ISR data for operational forces. The program utilizes agile software development to deliver iterative releases that respond to emergent fleet requirements. DCGS-N Increment 2 (Afloat) provides robust data fusion and automated analytics, bridging the gap between operational sensors and broader intelligence enterprises. Funding is allocated for tactical edge equipment procurements, which modernize system architecture, address hardware obsolescence, and support multi-enclave cloud hosting for worldwide use.

Each of these programs is supported by production and installation activities to ensure seamless integration and operational readiness. The procurement strategy includes recurring hardware refreshes, installation of new workstation nodes, and updates to supporting infrastructure. Contractors such as BAE Systems, SAIC, and NSMA are involved in delivering these capabilities, with contract awards and deliveries scheduled to align with fleet modernization plans. The budget also includes production support and installation costs to facilitate the deployment of new systems and upgrades.

The objective of LI 2914 is to maintain and enhance the Navy's ISR capabilities in both afloat and ashore environments. By investing in modernized hardware, software, and integration solutions, the Navy aims to ensure that its intelligence enterprise remains resilient, interoperable, and capable of supporting joint and coalition operations. The approach emphasizes incremental upgrades, cross-domain data sharing, and compliance with Department of Defense enterprise standards, positioning the Navy to meet current and future intelligence requirements.