Marine Aviation Developmental Management and Support

The Marine Aviation Development Management & Support program, designated as Program Element (PE) 0606295M, is a Navy Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Management Support initiative focused on advancing Marine Aviation capabilities. The primary goal of this program is to enable the development of future Marine Aviation concepts through rigorous analytical study, modeling, simulation, and validation. By integrating Marine Aviation into the Navy Capabilities-Based Assessments Integration Process - Marine Corps (NCIP-MC), the program ensures that capability development is informed by comprehensive threat data and operational analysis.

This program supports the Marine Corps' evolving tactics, particularly those associated with the Stand-in Force (SiF), by informing investment decisions and driving innovation in both legacy and future Fleet assets. It is justified under RDT&E Management Support because it sustains and modernizes installations and operations required for general research, development, test, and evaluation. The program also aligns with broader Department of Defense (DoD) efforts to promote efficiency and cost-effectiveness, as reflected in adjustments made to the FY 2026 budget in accordance with Executive Order 14222.

The primary budget line within this program is focused on providing Marine Aviation with the capability to conduct mission and operational analysis, developmental and operational test and evaluation planning, and rapid prototyping. Objectives include supporting operational effectiveness and high-fidelity threat analysis through the Virtual Warfare Center (VWC), as well as leveraging both government and contractor expertise. The project emphasizes analytical rigor by integrating with NCIP and NCIP-MC processes and fostering cross-service collaboration with the Navy, Army, and Air Force.

In FY 2025 and FY 2026, planned activities include continued test and evaluation planning, mission effectiveness studies, and trade studies. These efforts are supported by new and legacy Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A) infrastructure, including facilities, laboratories, and integrated development environment software and hardware. The program works closely with transition partners across the Services to ensure that investment strategies result in capabilities delivered to the Warfighter via Joint MS&A.

Validation of Marine Aviation requirements and investment decisions is a key objective, utilizing both new and legacy MS&A infrastructure. This ensures that technology transitions from Science and Technology (S&T) initiatives are effectively integrated into operational platforms. The program also supports ongoing joint warfighting effectiveness efforts led by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) and Research & Engineering (R&E), ensuring that Marine Aviation development is aligned with broader DoD priorities.

Budget adjustments between FY 2025 and FY 2026 reflect changes in Service strategic priorities and efforts to promote efficiency. The FY 2026 funding request was reduced for Advisory and Assistance Services to align with government efficiency initiatives. No acquisition strategy or other program funding details are provided, as the focus remains on supporting general research, development, test, and evaluation activities.