Maritime Targeting Cell

The Maritime Targeting Cell (MTC) program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 0604038N, is a Navy research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing maritime targeting capabilities. The primary objective of the MTC is to develop, integrate, and evaluate advanced targeting solutions that enhance the Navy's ability to identify, track, and engage maritime threats. The program supports agile software development, iterative capability baselining, and extended user evaluations to ensure that new technologies meet operational requirements and are responsive to fleet feedback.

Specifically, the Maritime Targeting Cell (Project 3468) aims to leverage agile software methodologies to deliver multiple baseline capability iterations in FY23, with continued development and integration efforts planned for subsequent years. These iterations are designed to incrementally improve the system's performance and adaptability in dynamic maritime environments. The project also funds extended user evaluations, where deployed prototypes are tested in operational settings to collect feedback, refine concepts of operations (CONOPs), and provide targeted training to end users.

The MTC program is characterized by its collaborative approach, involving key partnerships with other Department of Defense (DoD) and government agencies. These partnerships are formalized through documented agreements that facilitate joint experimentation, capability development, and integration across the broader targeting enterprise. Such collaboration is intended to ensure interoperability, reduce duplication of effort, and accelerate the delivery of advanced targeting solutions to the fleet.

Within the overall program, software development and integration activities are contracted to organizations such as Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU APL) and classified entities. These efforts focus on the technical development of software and systems that underpin the targeting cell's capabilities. The program also includes systems development and integration contracts, which are essential for bringing together disparate technologies and ensuring they function cohesively in operational scenarios.

Another critical component is developmental test and evaluation (DT&E), which is conducted through a combination of government and contractor support. DT&E activities are designed to rigorously assess the performance, reliability, and suitability of MTC prototypes and systems before they are fielded. These evaluations help identify technical risks, validate system effectiveness, and inform future development priorities.

The budget also reflects congressional adds, such as the Maritime Targeting Cell Afloat initiative. While specific details about this congressional add are not provided at the unclassified level, such funding typically supports targeted enhancements or expansions of the core MTC program, often in response to emerging operational needs or congressional priorities.