Ship Self Defense (Detect & Control)

The PE 0604755N: Ship Self Def (Detect & Control) program is a Navy Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on enhancing the self-defense capabilities of Aircraft Carriers and Amphibious Class ships. The program's primary objective is to upgrade and integrate the Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) MK 2 Combat System, ensuring these vessels can effectively counter evolving threats such as Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles (ASCMs). It also aims to maintain interoperability with advanced sensors, weapons, and command and control (C4I) systems. The SSDS MK 2 is designed to provide combat direction, joint interoperability, and robust cybersecurity, leveraging a common software library and open system architecture to control costs and facilitate future upgrades.

The Quick Reaction Combat Capability (QRCC) is the largest line item within this program element, with goals centered on the evolutionary acquisition and integration of improved ship self-defense capabilities. QRCC focuses on product development, combat systems integration, and rigorous test and evaluation/certification activities. Key objectives include the integration of advanced sensors, weapons, and C4I systems. QRCC also supports the transition to a Common Computing Infrastructure and Software construct, enabling targeted hardware upgrades and scalable modernization. Cybersecurity enhancements are a major focus, with multi-year efforts to implement DoD and Navy-mandated enterprise combat system protections and accreditation processes.

Joint Non-Lethal Weapons develops and tests non-lethal weapon systems for anti-terrorism and force protection missions. The program's objectives include advancing technologies such as Long-Range Ocular Interrupter (LROI), Maritime Vessel Stopping (MVS) systems, and Acoustic Hailing Devices (AHD). LROI aims to provide eye-safe laser warning and suppression effects, increasing tactical decision-making time and supporting escalation of force procedures. MVS technologies are designed to temporarily disable or slow waterborne vessels, while AHDs project intelligible speech and deterrent tones over extended ranges. Efforts will continue in material development, deployment methodology selection, packaging, and at-sea operational testing, with a focus on closing capability gaps identified by the services.

The SSDS Training Improvement Program is dedicated to enhancing the SSDS Total Ship Training Capability (TSTC) and related training systems. The program's goals are to update and expand training functionality in line with SSDS MK 2 capability improvements, including integration with new sensors, weapons, and cyber defense features. The Advanced Training Domain (ATD) is being developed to consolidate training systems and improve reliability, usability, and extensibility. Training curriculum updates, virtual operator trainers, and integration of simulated tactical data links are ongoing to support complex, distributed battle group training and certification events. The program also supports the Navy's Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) Fleet Training Wholeness initiative and aligns with broader DoD training transformation plans.

Across all line items, the program emphasizes system commonality, modularity, and open architecture to facilitate cost control, avoid duplication, and enable rapid technology insertion. The acquisition strategy leverages competitive contracts for hardware production and sole-source contracts for software development and integration. There are ongoing transitions to enterprise COTS products and prototyping agreements for computing infrastructure. Test and evaluation activities are extensive, including land-based, at-sea, and live-fire testing, as well as cyber adversarial assessments, to ensure integrated combat system certification and operational readiness.

The program's justification is rooted in the need to pace emerging threats, maintain technological superiority, and ensure the safety and effectiveness of naval forces operating in increasingly contested environments. By integrating advanced sensors, weapons, and C4I systems, and by enhancing training and cybersecurity, the Ship Self Def (Detect & Control) program supports the Navy's mission to provide credible deterrence and defense across multiple warfare domains. The FY 2026 budget reflects adjustments for efficiency initiatives, workforce optimization, and the completion of certain training efforts, while continuing to prioritize critical capability upgrades and operational testing.