SPQ-9B Radar

The SPQ-9B Radar program, detailed under Line Item 2026 in the Navy's Other Procurement budget, focuses on the procurement, installation, and sustainment of the AN/SPQ-9B radar system. The primary mission of this radar is to detect and track low-flying anti-ship missile targets in environments with significant clutter, thereby enhancing the Navy's shipboard anti-ship missile defense (ASMD) capabilities. In recent years, the mission set for the AN/SPQ-9B has expanded to include Periscope Detection and Discrimination (PDD), allowing the radar to concurrently support both ASMD and submarine periscope detection operations.

The BR040 AN/SPQ-9B RADAR FMP EQUIPMENT line supports the procurement and installation of the radar on various ship classes, including cruisers, destroyers, amphibious assault ships, aircraft carriers, landing platform docks, and U.S. Coast Guard National Security Cutters. This line item also covers the planning and advanced preparation required for installation, such as design services allocation and advanced planning to align with ship availability schedules. The program ensures that new construction ships and in-service vessels receive the latest radar technology to maintain operational parity with evolving threats.

The BR042 AN/SPQ-9B ENGINEERING CHANGE PROPOSALS (ECP) line is dedicated to product improvements and sustainment. This includes funding for engineering change proposals that address fleet-reported issues, upgrade unreliable or obsolete components, and enhance radar performance. Upgrades include Antenna Shock Upgrade Kits, Digital Signal Processor Kits, and PDD Kits, which are installed during scheduled maintenance periods and, when necessary, outside of major availabilities to maintain system readiness.

The BR830 AN/SPQ-9B PRODUCTION SUPPORT line provides essential support for the production and certification of radar hardware and software. This includes activities by Warfare Centers, Software Support Activity, Integrated Logistics Agent, Acquisition Engineering Agent, Technical Design Agent, and Engineering Support Services. Production support also encompasses cybersecurity compliance and software certification, ensuring that the radar system meets current cyber and operational standards.

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 AN/SPQ-9B RADAR COMPONENTS lines fund the procurement of major radar components required for both new installations and sustainment of existing systems. These components are critical for maintaining the operational availability of the radar fleet and supporting ongoing modernization efforts.

Additionally, the WAXXX ACQUISITION WORKFORCE FUND provides an allocation for acquisition workforce support, which is necessary for effective program management and contract execution. This ensures that the Navy maintains the necessary expertise to oversee the procurement and sustainment of the SPQ-9B radar systems.

Beginning in FY26, all funding previously under LI 2026 has been realigned to LI 2981 In-Service Radars and Sensors, as part of a broader DoD effort to consolidate program elements and budget line items for improved efficiency and oversight. This transition reflects the completion of major procurement and installation activities under LI 2026, with future efforts focused on sustainment, modernization, and integration under the new consolidated line item. The objective remains to ensure that the Navy's surface fleet is equipped with advanced radar capabilities to meet current and emerging maritime threats.