NATO Research and Development

The PE 0603790N: NATO Research and Development program is a Navy Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) budget line focused on advancing cooperative research and development efforts with allied nations under the framework of international agreements. The primary objective of this program is to enhance U.S. defense capabilities by collaborating with NATO and other allied partners on projects that address shared operational needs, interoperability gaps, and emerging technological challenges. Funding is strictly allocated to U.S.-based work efforts, with each project requiring approval from the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD, A&S) and detailed justification through a Summary Statement of Intent (SSOI).

2293: NATO Cooperative R&D is the central project within this program element, supporting a portfolio of cooperative research initiatives. The goals of this line item are to identify, plan, and execute joint research projects that align with Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) priorities and address critical interoperability requirements among the U.S. and its allies. The program is unique in that funding is tied to the formal signing of international agreements, which can occur at various points throughout the fiscal year, often after lengthy negotiation and staffing processes.

Specific objectives for FY 2025 and FY 2026 include continued support for previously approved projects and the initiation of new cooperative efforts. Notable projects planned or ongoing include the Coalition Underwater Mine and IED Defeat with Canada and Norway, Compact Common Aperture Dual-Band IR Imaging with Israel, Maritime Automatic Surface Ship Classification with Australia, and Quantum Enhanced Undersea Surveillance Technology with Australia. Each project is designed to leverage allied expertise and resources while focusing on technologies that improve collective defense and operational effectiveness.

Additional planned projects for FY 2026 encompass a range of advanced technology areas, such as Lightweight Transparent Armor with Canada, Project Overmatch Operation Highmast with the United Kingdom, Persistent Remote Uncrewed Undersea Vehicles with Australia, and Acoustic Communications with Singapore. These efforts are intended to address evolving threats and operational challenges, particularly in undersea warfare, unmanned systems, sensor development, and maritime domain awareness.

The program also supports the establishment of new international agreements by providing early identification and commitment of funds, typically one to two years in advance, to signal U.S. support during the agreement processing phase. This proactive funding approach is essential for maintaining momentum in international collaboration and ensuring timely project initiation once agreements are finalized.

Execution of the NATO Cooperative R&D program involves multiple Navy and Department of Defense research centers and laboratories, including NAVSEA, NSWC Carderock, NUWC Newport, NIWC San Diego, NAVAIR Patuxent River, and the Office of Naval Research (ONR). These organizations are responsible for developmental testing, evaluation, and program management support, ensuring that technical objectives are met and that research outcomes are aligned with both U.S. and allied defense priorities.