Surface ASW

The Surface ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) program, designated as Program Element (PE) 0603553N, is a Navy Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing technologies to improve the effectiveness of surface ship ASW capabilities. The overarching goal is to develop and transition innovative systems and techniques that will enhance the ability of U.S. and allied naval forces to detect, classify, localize, and track enemy submarines, as well as to defend against modern torpedo threats. This program is a critical component of the Navy's efforts to maintain undersea dominance and address evolving asymmetric threats posed by adversaries who seek to deter or disrupt U.S. maritime operations.

The main objective of Project 1704 under this program element is to render enemy submarines ineffective against U.S. and coalition forces by pursuing advanced ASW technologies. The project supports the Navy's Maritime Strategy by addressing the increasing threat to surface combatants and ensuring that U.S. surface ships can operate freely in contested environments. The program achieves this through a structured process of technology discovery, assessment, experimentation, and analysis, focusing on both incremental improvements and breakthrough capabilities.

Specific goals for FY 2024 and FY 2025 include the continued development and integration of several key technologies. These include the transition of Torpedo Defense Doppler Matched Active Processing for towed arrays, the extension of Passive Coherent Processing for both torpedo defense and broader ASW applications, and the enhancement of Continuous Active Sonar and Pulsed Active Sonar capabilities. The program also aims to develop and test Joint Passive Active Localization techniques and improve operator interfaces to better display and utilize acoustic and automation data. Additionally, the program investigates the use of modern classifier techniques for Continuous Active Sonar to increase detection and classification accuracy.

A critical aspect of the program is the transition of successful technologies into the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Surface Ship ASW Combat System through the Advanced Capability Build process. This ensures that research and development investments are rapidly fielded to the fleet, supporting ongoing system improvements and maintaining technological superiority. The program uses competitively awarded contracts, including Broad Agency Announcements and Other Transaction Authority, to engage industry and academia in the development of promising ASW solutions.

The program's acquisition strategy emphasizes rapid prototyping and iterative development. Technologies are delivered to the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 system every two years via the spiral development process, allowing for continuous integration and testing of new capabilities. This approach is designed to keep pace with evolving threats and to ensure that the fleet receives timely upgrades to its ASW combat systems.

Effective FY 2026, Project 1704 will transition from PE 0603553N to PE 0603561N as part of a broader Department of Defense initiative to consolidate program elements and budget line items. This move is in line with recommendations from the Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution Reform Final Report, which aims to increase Navy lethality and streamline resource allocation for undersea and surface warfare programs.