Minotaur

The Minotaur Family of Services (MFoS) program is a Navy initiative funded under Line Item 3640, aimed at enhancing the interoperability and effectiveness of Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Targeting (ISR&T) capabilities across airborne, afloat, and ashore platforms. The primary goal of MFoS is to provide integrated systems including the Minotaur Core, Minotaur Data Link Processor (MDLP), and Data Distribution/Dissemination modules that enable the correlation and fusion of tactical mission data for Combatant Commanders, Fleet Commanders, and Tactical Commanders.

This supports the broader objectives of the Naval Operational Architecture (NOA), facilitating improved battlespace awareness, decision agility, and battle-management coordination. The program's objectives include the procurement, modernization, and delivery of technical data packages and hardware that support ISR&T operations. MFoS funding covers the development and deployment of systems that enhance the Tasking, Collection, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (TCPED) cycle, which is critical for timely and accurate intelligence support.

The program also aims to reduce operator workload and standardize system infrastructure across the Fleet, as directed by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). This standardization is intended to streamline operations and improve the Navy's ability to conduct Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) and Littoral Operations in Contested Environments (LOCE).

Minotaur Core serves as the foundational software and hardware platform for integrating various sensor and data sources. Its goal is to ensure seamless fusion of mission data, enabling real-time situational awareness and targeting capabilities. The system is designed to be scalable and adaptable, supporting both legacy and emerging platforms within the Navy's operational framework. Minotaur Core also provides the basis for advanced decision aids and intelligence distribution tools, which are essential for supporting tactical and strategic operations.

Minotaur Data Link Processor (MDLP) is focused on improving information exchange between platforms and command centers. The MDLP enables secure, reliable data transfer and supports access to classified National Tactical Means (NTM) and cloud computing services. By facilitating Beyond Line of Sight (B/LOS) Internet Protocol (IP) based networking, the MDLP extends the reach of ISR&T sensor grids, ensuring that commanders have access to critical data regardless of their location. This capability is particularly important for supporting long-range fires and aligning with the Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) reference architecture.

Data Distribution/Dissemination (formerly known as Reach/Web) is responsible for ensuring that processed intelligence and mission data are accessible to authorized users across the Navy and joint forces. This component leverages cloud computing and secure networks to distribute data efficiently, supporting both tactical and strategic decision-making. The system is designed to handle large volumes of data and provide analytics capabilities, which are essential for maintaining information superiority in contested environments.

Funding for the Minotaur program in FY26 includes support for analysis, Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE), integration, modernization, procurement, production, and delivery of MFoS capabilities. It also covers production software releases and obsolescence upgrades to ensure that the systems remain effective against evolving threats. Technology refreshes and upgrades to high-performance computing infrastructure are included to maintain the operational relevance of MFoS products. These investments are justified by the increasing need to close critical kill chain gaps and bring data to the tactical edge in support of Navy and joint force operations.