Naval MIP Support Equipment

The Naval MIP Support Equipment program, outlined in Line Item 8114 of the Department of Defense (DoD) FY 2026 Navy budget, is designed to deliver, sustain, and modernize critical information technology and support infrastructure for the Navy's intelligence and operational communities. The primary objective is to ensure that the Navy's Maritime Operations Centers (MOCs) and the broader Naval Intelligence Community ashore have robust, secure, and interoperable Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) networks and tools. This includes procurement and refresh of desktop hardware, network equipment, storage systems, secure communications devices, and video teleconferencing solutions. These elements are essential for maintaining the Navy's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Information Technology & Security is a key component of this line item. The goals are to procure and refresh network storage systems and high-end workstations for intelligence analysts, ensuring that the Navy can securely process, store, and disseminate SCI. This includes regular capital equipment replacement cycles and maintenance of storage equipment, which are vital for supporting the Navy's classified data requirements. These investments help maintain operational readiness and compliance with evolving security standards as threats to information security continue to grow.

Information Technology Networking & Modernization encompasses the upgrade and replacement of network equipment such as routers and switches, as well as video teleconferencing and Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) systems. These upgrades are necessary to replace end-of-life equipment and to support the increasing demands for secure, real-time communication and collaboration across the Navy's operational and intelligence nodes. The program also funds modernization of Navy GEOINT Tasking, Collection, Processing, Exploitation, and Dissemination (TCPED) nodes to ensure interoperability with Fleet, Joint, and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) platforms.

The SCI Network CERP for MOCs and SCI Communications at MOCs initiatives are aimed at enhancing the secure communications infrastructure at Maritime Operations Centers. These efforts include provisioning the Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS) and upgrading SCI coalition network enclaves on force-level ships and MOCs. The objective is to provide Fleet Commanders with timely and secure intelligence on critical regions and adversaries, and to support coalition operations. The program also consolidates SCI communication services under a single service provider, streamlining support and improving operational efficiency.

SCI Information Assurance (IA) is funded to enable the Navy to meet full compliance with Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 502, which governs the protection of SCI. The program supports the establishment of initial and fully operational cyber defense capabilities, incident response, and risk management frameworks for all systems processing SCI. This is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information against cyber threats and ensuring the integrity and availability of intelligence data across the Navy's information environment.

The Charade Red (CR) program, terminated as of the FY 2026 request, previously supported the modernization of satellite communications and electronics equipment for sensitive sensor tracking capabilities. Investments in this area were justified by the need to maintain advanced maritime tracking for Navy platforms and unmanned systems, supporting both Navy and Intelligence Community requirements. The termination reflects a shift in priorities or completion of key objectives, with details available at higher classification levels.

The line item includes funding for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) initiatives, such as one-time ISR investments and Pentagon-Raven Rock IT modernization. These projects are intended to enhance the Navy's ability to collect, process, and disseminate intelligence in support of operational and strategic decision-making. The Naval MIP Support Equipment line item is justified by the need to maintain technological superiority, ensure secure and interoperable intelligence infrastructure, and support the evolving mission requirements of the Navy and the broader Intelligence Community.