Submarine Tactical Warfare Systems

The Submarine Tactical Warfare Systems (PE 0603562N) program is a Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative under the Navy's Advanced Component Development & Prototypes (ACD&P) budget activity. Its primary goal is to advance submarine technology in support of the Navy's strategic objectives of assured access and combat credibility. The program encompasses non-Acquisition Category (ACAT) projects focused on enhancing submarine operational effectiveness, particularly in imaging, electronic warfare (EW), and Arctic warfare capabilities. Effective FY 2026, the two main projects under this program element Advanced Submarine Support Equipment Program (ASSEP, Project 0770) and Submarine Arctic Warfare Development (Project 1739) will transition to PE 0603561N as part of a consolidation effort aimed at increasing Navy lethality.

The Advanced Submarine Support Equipment Program is dedicated to improving submarine imaging and EW support through advanced R&D. The project addresses the need for enhanced detection, counter-detection, and operational effectiveness in increasingly complex electromagnetic environments. Specific objectives include the development of improved antennas, tethered buoys, 360-degree imaging systems, and electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) signature reduction technologies. The program also supports internal submarine platform changes to integrate the Submarine Tethered Expendable Buoy, which provides a covert communications path and brings sensor data into the submarine combat system to improve situational awareness and tactical control.

In FY 2025, ASSEP plans to continue the development of advanced imaging and EW sensor configurations for submarine periscopes, fabricate and test smaller antennas to expand sensing and direction finding capabilities, and analyze data to refine polarization sensing approaches. Additional efforts include integrating new antenna technologies into legacy mast systems, developing payload enhancements for the Submarine Tethered Expendable Buoy, and creating low-size, weight, and power (SWaP) devices for tactical signal recognition. The project also aims to develop EW vulnerability threat object capabilities and integrate imaging and EW signal processing for both buoy and periscope-based sensors. Engineering Development Models are fabricated and tested both in laboratories and at sea.

Submarine Arctic Warfare Development is managed by the Commander, Undersea Warfighting Development Center, Detachment Arctic Submarine Laboratory. The project's main objective is to provide the Submarine Force with trained Arctic Operation Specialists and unique Arctic sensors to optimize submarine safety during under-ice operations. Laboratory personnel embark on Arctic deployments, advising commanding officers and supporting operations in cold water, iceberg regions, and marginal ice zones. The shore facility at Naval Base Point Loma supports the necessary infrastructure for personnel and equipment, with ongoing improvements and life-cycle expenditures as required.

The Arctic Warfare Development project responds to increased naval activity in the Arctic and supports the Navy's assured access and combat credibility objectives. Through the Ice Exercise program, including Operation Ice Camp, the project develops and tests advanced submarine technologies for harsh Arctic environments. These activities emphasize submarine operability, mission capability, and tactical development, including assessment of combat system effectiveness, weapons testing, HF sonar use, and testing of ice-capable structures. The program also conducts biennial Arctic Exercises and periodic Torpedo Exercises to meet fleet requirements and advance operational guidelines for Arctic conditions.

Both projects utilize a mix of sole source and competitive contracts with various agencies and industry partners. For the Advanced Submarine Support Equipment Program, performing activities include Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Lockheed Martin, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, and others. For Arctic Warfare Development, technical assistance is provided by NUWC, logistics and engineering support by USACE Alaska, equipment procurement by Fleet Logistics Center and DLA, and aviation support by USTRANSCOM. Program management and technical planning are supported by KMS Solutions, EG&G, BAE Systems, and TMB, among others.