Maritime Systems

The Maritime Systems program element, managed by United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), supports the research, development, test, and evaluation of advanced surface and undersea mobility platforms for Special Operations Forces (SOF). Its primary goals are to enhance SOF's ability to operate in contested and denied maritime environments by developing and modernizing underwater and surface craft, along with associated mission equipment. The program seeks to provide rapid responses to emerging operational requirements by leveraging a mix of service-common solutions, commercial-off-the-shelf technologies, and new development efforts.

Underwater Systems focuses on the engineering and manufacturing development of combat submersibles, SOF combat diving systems, underwater support systems, and related equipment. Objectives include improving infiltration and extraction capabilities, personnel and material recovery, hydrographic reconnaissance, beach obstacle clearance, and underwater ship attack. Projects include upgrades to the SEAL Delivery Vehicle for greater range, endurance, and situational awareness; the Dry Combat Submersible, which provides a dry, atmosphere-controlled vessel for SOF insertion and extraction; and Dry Deck Shelter modernization to extend service life and increase payload capacity. The SOF Combat Diving program is developing next-generation life support, navigation, propulsion, and communication systems, while the Undersea Craft Mission Equipment project transitions new technologies to operational platforms.

Surface Craft encompasses the engineering and manufacturing development of all combatant craft and their mission equipment, emphasizing pre-planned product improvement and technology insertion. The program supports rapid prototyping and development to meet unique SOF requirements. Efforts include the Combatant Craft Medium, which serves as the primary platform for long-range, high-payload SOF mobility operations; the Combatant Craft Heavy, designed for sensitive intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and the Combatant Craft Assault, optimized for squad-size operations and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure missions. The program also supports the Special Operations Craft Riverine for littoral and riverine operations, and the Maritime Precision Engagement system, which integrates advanced weaponry for standoff targeting.

The SOF Combat Diving initiative aims to rapidly prototype and field a family of systems that improve diver survivability, endurance, and operational effectiveness. This includes development of mixed gas breathing apparatus, emergency breathing and treatment systems, advanced propulsion devices, and diver-to-diver as well as diver-to-vehicle communication networks. The program also supports laboratory validation and human testing of new equipment, and the design of expeditionary diver treatment systems.

Unmanned Systems development is a significant component, with projects such as the Small Unmanned Surface Vehicle and Small Unmanned Underwater Vehicle. Efforts focus on fielding modular, commercial-off-the-shelf-based platforms for short and long endurance missions, supporting contested logistics and persistent maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Unmanned underwater vehicle projects integrate SOF-specific payloads and cyber capabilities into Navy service-common vehicles, enhancing special reconnaissance and reducing risk to personnel.

Combatant Craft Mission Equipment and Undersea Craft Mission Equipment projects facilitate the transition of science and technology advancements into operational platforms. These efforts prioritize technology refreshes to correct deficiencies, improve asset life, and enhance mission capability. Areas of focus include enhanced maritime navigation, C5ISR situational awareness, survivability, power and energy systems, and assured access technologies. The programs emphasize collaboration with strategic partners and integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for future enhancements.

The Maritime Systems program element is structured to ensure SOF maintains a technological edge in maritime operations, supporting both classified and unclassified initiatives. Acquisition strategies leverage a mix of competitive and sole-source contracting, rapid prototyping, and streamlined Federal Acquisition Regulation processes. The budget request reflects a combination of discretionary and mandatory funding, with adjustments made to align resources with evolving operational priorities and congressional direction. Program objectives are closely aligned with national defense strategic guidance, emphasizing power projection, deterrence, and resilience in contested environments.