Navy Command and Control System (NCCS)

The Navy Command and Control System (NCCS) line item (LI 2618) in the Department of Defense (DoD) FY 2026 budget is focused on the procurement and installation of advanced command and control capabilities for the Navy. The primary goal of NCCS is to provide maritime commanders at all levels with a unified, scalable, and integrated Command, Control, Communication, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) system. This system is designed to fuse, correlate, and display near real-time information on friendly, hostile, and neutral forces. It supports decision-making and operational effectiveness in both afloat and ashore environments.

Global Command and Control System-Maritime (GCCS-M) is a core component of NCCS, with objectives to enhance situational awareness and battle management for Navy forces. GCCS-M operates in two main environments: Afloat, supporting ships and submarines, and Ashore, supporting fixed command centers. The system provides commanders with a Common Operational Picture (COP) by integrating tactical data, intelligence, and environmental overlays. The FY 2026 budget supports the continued deployment and technical refresh of GCCS-M Increment 2 Afloat, including updated software versions that are critical for operational readiness and support the increased demand for Carrier Strike Group deployments. Naval Information Warfare Centers (NIWC) Pacific and Atlantic serve as the procuring, integrating, and installation agents for GCCS-M.

Global Command and Control System-Joint (GCCS-J) is another major element funded under NCCS. Managed by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), GCCS-J provides joint warfighters, including Combatant Commanders and Joint Task Force Commanders, with a fused battlespace picture and essential planning and assessment tools. The system supports status of forces, operational planning, and execution, and interfaces with Fleet Communications Centers for coordination with deployed and fixed units. In FY 2026, the budget includes procurement of GCCS-J Ashore workstations, Local Area Network (LAN) hardware and software, and communications equipment, with installations tailored to the needs of multiple Navy GCCS-J Program of Record sites.

Joint Automated Deep Operations Coordination System (JADOCS) funding within NCCS is aimed at providing Navy fielding of JADOCS software on new installation hardware. JADOCS is essential for coordinating joint targeting and mission assignment for time-sensitive and rapid-response missions across various command levels, including Functional Component Commanders, Joint and Combined Force Commanders, Geographic Combatant Commanders, and Special Operations Commanders. The FY 2026 budget supports both afloat and ashore installations, with unit costs varying based on platform, location, and software version.

Installation and Support Activities are also a significant part of the NCCS budget line. These activities include GCCS-J support equipment installations, pre-installation design, and production engineering support. The budget reflects adjustments in installation costs due to rate changes, location-specific factors, and baseline configurations. The procurement history indicates ongoing contracts with NIWC Atlantic and Pacific for hardware and software integration, with deliveries scheduled throughout FY 2024 to FY 2026.

The NCCS line item demonstrates a commitment to maintaining and upgrading the Navy's command and control infrastructure to meet evolving operational requirements. The budget request for FY 2026 was reduced in accordance with executive orders promoting government efficiency and workforce optimization. NCCS investments are justified by the need to ensure secure, interoperable, and responsive C4I capabilities for maritime and joint operations, supporting both current fleet demands and future mission requirements.