Precision Strike Weapons Development Program

The Precision Strike Weapons Development Program (PE 0604659N) is a Navy Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing strike weapon technologies to enhance anti-surface and land strike capabilities, particularly in challenging Anti-Access Area-Denial (A2/AD) environments. The program aims to develop and integrate advanced armament, munitions, and weapon subsystems that support horizontal integration across current and future platforms. Its objectives include the creation of selectable output weapons, low collateral damage munitions, precision lethality solutions, alternative warhead technologies, insensitive munitions, scaled munitions, extended range weapons, and improved fuzing and sensor systems. The program also supports aerial refueling and technologies related to cartridge and propellant actuated devices.

High-Speed Long Range Maritime Strike Weapon is a new start in FY 2026, primarily funding the Multi-mission Affordable Capacity Effectors (MACE) initiative. MACE is designed to provide launch platforms with extended standoff capability, maximize weapon load-out, and constrain unit costs to enable large-scale production and optimal inventory levels. The program leverages mature propulsion systems and proven payloads, integrating government-directed interface standards to facilitate rapid, affordable upgrades and multi-variant production. FY 2026 funding supports airframe development, subsystem integration including propulsion, guidance, control actuators, payload, communications, and software and integration onto F/A-18E/F platforms. Additional funds are allocated for logistics, test and evaluation, and program management.

Next Generation Strike Weapons supports a Family of Systems (FoS) approach based on the Next Generation Land Attack Weapon (NGLAW) Analysis of Alternatives. NGSW aims to incrementally field surface and submarine strike capabilities between 2020 and 2032, leveraging both mature and emerging technologies rather than developing a single weapon. The program maintains a secure analytical enclave to ensure up-to-date threat modeling and effectiveness validation for current and future US weapons. FY 2026 activities include ongoing analysis, technology investment for Increment II capabilities, and integration of uncrewed assets into operational scenarios. These efforts enable informed investment decisions and rapid adaptation to evolving threats.

Advanced Aerial Refueling Store is focused on upgrading aerial refueling capabilities for both manned and unmanned platforms such as the F/A-18 and MQ-25. The program integrates new technologies to stabilize the refueling drogue, enhance receiver and drogue position data, and improve health and diagnostic monitoring. The Digital Controller Upgrade (DCU) and Optical Reference System (ORS) are central to these improvements, providing increased flight safety and situational awareness. FY 2026 funding continues software and hardware development for DCU and ORS, with the goal of reducing mishaps and increasing reliability in aerial refueling operations.

CAD/PAD Digital Twin Modeling develops and validates digital twin models and algorithms for Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices, specifically for Navy Air Crew Common Ejection Seats (NACES). The digital twin software predicts service life based on energetic material condition, supporting a transition to condition-based maintenance. This approach is expected to yield long-term cost savings, improve readiness, and address obsolescence. FY 2026 activities include further development of the digital twin tool, readiness dashboard, graphical user interface, and automated service life extension review processes, with planning for transition to an approved DoD tool.

Congressional Adds encompass several targeted investments, including advanced rocket fuel density technology, CAD/PAD automated primer production, common use technology maturation for nuclear-capable systems, and the Nuclear-Armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM-N). The SLCM-N program is a major acquisition effort to provide a persistent, survivable regional nuclear presence, supporting US strategic options and assurance to allies. FY 2025 funding supports missile systems development, shipboard systems integration, test and evaluation, warhead and interface unit development, and weapons integration and systems engineering. These congressional adds reflect evolving priorities and refined allocations across product development, support, test, and management services.