Support to Networks and Information Integration

The Support to Networks and Information Integration (NII) program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is a critical line item within the Department of Defense's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget. Its primary objective is to enhance the Department's ability to deter aggression, defend the homeland, and maintain a strategic advantage by modernizing and integrating networks and information systems. The program specifically supports the modernization of Military Global Positioning System (GPS) User Equipment (MGUE), the development of alternative positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities, and the oversight of related policy and interagency activities.

A central goal of the Support to NII line item is to ensure the resilience and security of PNT services, which are foundational for precision targeting, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), logistics, and force tracking. The program is tasked with advancing the adoption of GPS M-code, a more secure and robust signal, and integrating alternate PNT information using a modular open systems approach. This modernization effort is closely aligned with the National Defense Strategy, which emphasizes the need for resilient and reliable PNT capabilities to maintain operational superiority in contested environments.

The program also provides support to the DoD's PNT Oversight Council and engages in interagency activities related to space-based PNT and electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) management. These efforts are intended to ensure that DoD policies and investments are synchronized across the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System, Defense Acquisition System, and the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution processes. By doing so, the program seeks to enforce navigation warfare policy, ensure system compliance with security requirements, and maintain the integrity of critical navigation and timing infrastructure.

Another significant component of the Support to Networks and Information Integration (NII) program is the integrated planning and management project, which is responsible for overseeing national-level command and control (C2) capabilities. This project is managed through the National Leadership Command Capabilities Management Office (NMO), which ensures that senior leaders have timely situational awareness and decision-making tools. The NMO's focus areas include national leadership command, control, and communications (C3) systems, national security and emergency preparedness, DoD support to civil authorities, continuity of government, and cyber mission indications and warnings.

For Fiscal Year 2025, the program's objectives include implementing interim National Defense Strategic Guidance in coordination with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Military Departments, Joint Staff, and Combatant Commands. This involves overseeing the DoD's PNT investment strategy and enforcing compliance with navigation warfare and security policies through updated DoD instructions and manuals. The program aims to synchronize the development of PNT materiel solutions and ensure that these efforts are integrated across the Department's acquisition and planning processes.

In Fiscal Year 2026, the program plans to continue its base initiatives while increasing its focus and funding on the development of alternate PNT capabilities. This includes enhancing the resilience of PNT services and improving situational awareness of the electronic battlespace. The budget increase for FY 2026 is primarily attributed to classified funding additions, reflecting an expanded emphasis on advanced and resilient PNT solutions in response to evolving threats and operational requirements.