ISR & Info Operations

The PE 0304785N: ISR & INFO OPERATIONS program element in the Navy's FY 2026 budget supports a broad portfolio of research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities focused on advancing the Navy's Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR), and Information Operations (IO) capabilities. The overarching goal is to ensure maritime superiority by providing warfighters with advanced tools for assured command and control, battlespace awareness, and electromagnetic maneuver warfare. This program element funds incremental development and rapid integration of new technologies, leveraging both Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) and Government-Off-The-Shelf (GOTS) solutions to address evolving threats and operational requirements.

Shipboard IW Exploit (Project 2134) is the largest line item, supporting the development and integration of tactical cryptologic systems such as Ship's Signal Exploitation Equipment (SSEE) Increment F and its variants, Spectral, Integrated Communications and Data Systems (ICADS), Horizon, Distributed Operations (DO), and advanced IW antennas. The objectives include delivering expanded offensive electronic warfare (EW), signals intelligence (SIGINT), and future cyberspace capabilities. FY 2026 priorities include software and hardware upgrades for SSEE Increment F, finalizing the integration of Snakehead and Samurai capabilities, completing Spectral's Fleet Capability Release #1, and developing new antenna technologies such as the High Gain, Narrow Band (HGNB) and Actively Steered Electronic Array (AESA). These efforts aim to enhance the Navy's ability to detect, exploit, and counter adversary radio frequency emissions in communication-challenged and anti-access/area denial environments.

Intelligence Carry-On Program (ICOP, Project 2174) provides unit-level Navy surface and expeditionary forces with portable, edge computing ISR capabilities. ICOP systems support indications and warnings, battlespace visualization, pattern-of-life analysis, full-motion video exploitation, and multi-domain ISR processing. In FY 2026, ICOP will continue integration and testing of Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) mission modules, enhance autonomy and edge node capabilities, and improve communications modules for direct sensor data ingestion. These upgrades are intended to support rapid deployment and operational flexibility, enabling Navy units to process and exploit intelligence data in real time during high-tempo operations.

Distributed Common Ground System-Navy (DCGS-N) Increment 2 (Project 2227) is the Navy's implementation of the joint DCGS Family of Systems, providing afloat and ashore nodes with ISR&T capabilities. DCGS-N integrates data from airborne and national reconnaissance platforms, supports precision targeting, and shares intelligence across the DoD and Intelligence Community. FY 2026 objectives include continued development of Counter-Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (C-C5ISRT) capabilities, enhancement of the Knowledge Base for new Joint and maritime data sets, and incremental software improvements. The program follows an agile, iterative release strategy to deliver prioritized capabilities aligned with Fleet requirements.

Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA, Project 2351) leverages partnerships with agencies such as the Department of Transportation and National Reconnaissance Office to enhance tools for global vessel tracking and maritime security. Key systems include SeaVision, a cloud-based analytics platform, and Thresher, an AI/ML-enhanced vessel tracking tool. FY 2026 efforts focus on integrating new data sources, improving analytics and correlation algorithms, and enhancing interoperability with Office of Naval Intelligence services. These improvements support Fleet Maritime Operations Centers and the Automated Identification System (AIS) program, providing actionable maritime situational awareness.

Remote Sensing Capability Development (RSCD, Project 2363) is the Navy's flagship initiative for developing AI/ML-based automatic target recognition models, supporting the SEAHORSE process for advanced maritime GEOINT. RSCD partners with the National Reconnaissance Office and National Geospatial Intelligence Agency to streamline tasking, collections, processing, exploitation, and dissemination (TCPED) for Navy missions. FY 2026 activities include continued algorithm development, data collection in diverse environmental conditions, performance analysis, and training for new AI/ML models. These efforts aim to accelerate delivery of GEOINT-derived intelligence and improve detection of hard-to-find maritime targets.

Advanced Cryptological Systems Engineering Cryptologic Carry-On Program (CCOP, Project 3091) rapidly develops and fields quick-reaction cryptologic capabilities for surface, subsurface, and airborne platforms. CCOP integrates COTS/GOTS technologies, develops new signal processing algorithms, and supports adaptive mission modules for emergent Fleet requirements. FY 2026 priorities include development of Next Generation Red Falcon 5.1, quarterly software releases, and limited objective experiments for new capabilities such as KungFu. The program ensures that carry-on systems remain interoperable and responsive to evolving operational needs.

Tactical Edge Targeting (TET, Project 3786) details are classified and submitted annually to Congress in the classified budget justification books. This project supports advanced targeting capabilities at the tactical edge, with funding allocated for continued development and integration in FY 2026.