Operational Energy Capability Improvement

The Operational Energy Capability Improvement (OECI) program, under Program Element (PE) 0603055D8Z, is managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and is a new start in the FY 2026 budget. Its primary goal is to fund advanced technology development in operational energy, focusing on science and technology (S&T) investments that enhance the Department of Defense's (DoD) operational effectiveness. The OECI program is designed to foster joint innovation, drive long-term change in DoD energy capabilities, and align with national defense strategies. It acts as a catalyst for first-of-a-kind operational energy innovations, providing seed funding to accelerate technology maturation and transition, with the ultimate aim of improving the operational effectiveness and readiness of the Joint Force.

Operational Energy Dominance is a major line item within OECI. Its objective is to transform energy data into a battlefield advantage by embedding energy situational awareness into command and control (C2) architectures. The program focuses on three strategic thrusts: Collect (digitizing and integrating legacy and modern power systems for real-time data), Camouflage (mitigating vulnerabilities in power systems), and Control (developing tactics and procedures to exploit adversary energy weaknesses). Key deliverables include advanced sensing, metering, analytics, cyber-secure data integration, and predictive energy management tools. These efforts are aimed at providing actionable insights for decision-making, enhancing force protection, and integrating energy intelligence into ISR and JADC2 workflows for improved operational agility.

Operational Energy Surety is focused on guaranteeing reliable and resilient access to energy for critical missions. The program supports operational flexibility and freedom of maneuver through innovations such as autonomous energy delivery, hybrid-electric platforms, and advanced power management. Key objectives include developing energy solutions for Agile Combat Employment (ACE), standardizing tactical microgrids, and maturing technologies for directed energy weapons and arctic operations. The program emphasizes interoperability, minimizing logistical dependencies, and supporting advanced weapon systems through improved energy storage, power controls, and thermal management.

Operational Energy and Power Projection is tasked with enabling energy delivery and power projection across all domains, including aviation, space, and the electromagnetic spectrum. The portfolio invests in extending the endurance of uncrewed aircraft, advancing wireless power beaming technologies, and developing space-based energy solutions such as high-efficiency solar cells and robotic assembly of solar arrays. These initiatives are intended to provide on-demand power in remote or contested environments, extend the reach of air and space platforms, and enable persistent surveillance and maneuver in the space domain.

Nuclear Power aims to revolutionize DoD operations by developing advanced nuclear power technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and radioisotope power systems (RPS). The focus is on increasing energy density, extending power lifetimes in austere environments, and reducing the operational burden on personnel. Investments target safer, lighter, and more efficient nuclear technologies, supply chain improvements, and advanced energy conversion systems such as Stirling engines and supercritical CO2 loops. The program also supports studies on regulatory, cybersecurity, logistics, and training aspects to ensure the safe and secure integration of nuclear power into military operations, with particular emphasis on resilient, long-lived spaceflight RPS for defense applications.

The OECI program is structured to accelerate the development and transition of innovative operational energy technologies that address current and emerging military needs. Its competitive execution model leverages DoD laboratories, academia, and initial industry partnerships, ensuring technical depth, acquisition cost control, and rapid capability delivery. The program's investments are closely aligned with the Department's priorities of achieving peace through strength, rebuilding military readiness, and deterring adversaries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.