Shipboard IW Exploit

The Shipboard IW Exploit program is a Navy initiative funded under Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), specifically focused on Communications & Electronics Equipment for reconnaissance. The overarching goal of this budget line item is to modernize, sustain, and expand the Navy's shipboard Information Warfare (IW) and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities. This effort consolidates several technology projects and procurement lines, including the Cryptologic Carry-On Program (CCOP), Ships Signal Exploitation Equipment (SSEE) Increment F and its variants, Real Time Spectrum Operations (RTSO), Horizon, Distributed Operations (DO), Advanced IW Antennas, ICADS, Spectral, Snakehead, and related engineering change proposals (ECPs). The consolidation is designed to foster innovation, promote efficiency, and provide flexibility to address emerging threats and evolving fleet requirements.

SSEE Increment F (All Variants) and ECPs are central to the program, serving as the cornerstone for maritime IW exploitation and tactical cryptologic capability across Navy surface combatant platforms. The objectives include incremental upgrades through Pre-Planned Product Improvement (P3I) and ECPs to maintain pace with modernization and signal threats. These upgrades focus on replacing obsolete hardware, enhancing processing and storage, and integrating new signal acquisition and exploitation functionalities. The SSEE Tech Refresh in FY 2026 combines VPX backfits, next-generation chassis, and expanded processing/storage hardware to address Anti-Access Area Denial (A2AD) and unique signal processing needs.

SSEE Modifications (SSEE MODS) ECPs provide classified frequency extension capabilities and advanced electronic warfare enhancements, notably through the Graywing NextGen subsystem. The goal is to ensure maximum performance against evolving classified radio frequency target sets by upgrading both topside and below-deck components. SSEE MODS VPX Backfit Kits are also procured to digitize RF transport and distribution layers, ensuring interoperability with VPX-enabled Increment F systems and maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing threat environment.

Cryptologic Carry-On Program (CCOP) is realigned into this budget line starting in FY 2026. CCOP rapidly procures state-of-the-art, commercial off-the-shelf SIGINT equipment in response to combatant commander requirements for quick-reaction cryptologic capability on surface, subsurface, and airborne platforms. Equipment suites are tailored annually to address dynamic signals of interest and operational needs, including receivers, recorders, tactical computers, antennas, geolocation systems, and specialized intelligence communications equipment. The program supports cryptologic-capable surface ships and shore sites, with temporary installations coordinated through fleet augmentation requests.

Real Time Spectrum Operations (RTSO) develops and procures hardware and software to automate electromagnetic (EM) environmental analysis, spectrum planning, and monitoring. The objective is to enhance warfighter spectrum management, sensing, and prediction capabilities, thereby improving operational effectiveness and EM spectrum maneuverability within strike groups. FY 2026 funding supports additional RTSO Own Force Monitoring systems to align with current fielding plans.

Horizon and Distributed Operations (DO) deliver integrated fires capability solutions across afloat and shore domains, supporting offensive and defensive IW in the EM spectrum. Horizon provides battle management aids for IW planning and execution, while DO expands distributed SIGINT operations through cloud computing, data feeds, and aggregators. These efforts address Department of Defense capability gaps for shipboard cryptologic systems and support the Navy's response to Great Power Competition high-end threats.

ICADS, Spectral, and Snakehead programs further enhance shipboard IW capabilities. ICADS Increment II and III provide advanced simulation and backup communications, with Increment III offering a smaller, rapid-fielding form factor. The Spectral program delivers scalable, modular cryptologic exploitation systems to detect, classify, and track enemy units via passive signal exploitation, supporting integrated fires and cyber warfare planning. Snakehead introduces new signal capabilities hosted by ICADS and SSEE, leveraging open architecture hardware and software for operational flexibility. These systems are not permanently installed, enabling carry-on and carry-off deployment as needed.