Surface Combatant Combat System Engineering

The PE 0604307N: Surface Combatant Combat System Engineering program is a major research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) effort within the U.S. Navy, focused on advancing the combat systems of surface combatant ships. The overarching goal is to modernize, integrate, and sustain the hardware and software that enable warfighting capabilities on platforms such as Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, Constellation-class frigates, and large deck ships. The program supports both legacy system upgrades and the development of the future Integrated Combat System (ICS), ensuring these vessels remain effective against evolving threats.

Integrated Combat System (ICS) aims to unify and standardize the computing infrastructure and software across all surface combatants. The MK 6 MOD X Computing Infrastructure delivers Infrastructure as a Service kits that decouple hardware from software, enabling rapid upgrades without extensive shipyard periods. The ICS Software Factory is developing a Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery pipeline to refactor legacy AEGIS and Ship Self Defense System code into a modern, containerized architecture. This approach facilitates faster development, testing, and fleet delivery of new capabilities, with initial ICS deployments targeted for 2029.

Surface Combatant Combat System Improvements consolidates multiple upgrade and sustainment efforts for AEGIS-equipped ships. The objectives include supporting baseline development and testing, delivering upgrades for legacy destroyers, and implementing continuous warfighting improvements for newer ships. These improvements encompass integration of new sensors, weapons, and cyber defense capabilities. The project also funds the Combat System Test Bed for modeling and simulation, and the Collaborative IAMD Planning Program for multi-ship air and missile defense planning.

AEGIS Training Improvement Program enhances the Total Ship Training Capability to meet the growing complexity of fleet training requirements. The program develops and integrates advanced training domains and embedded systems that support realistic, multi-warfare training scenarios, including Live, Virtual, and Constructive environments. These upgrades ensure that individual operators and battle groups can maintain proficiency with new combat system capabilities, supporting certification and readiness across the fleet.

Each project within PE 0604307N is structured to address specific technical and operational needs. Baseline upgrades focus on integrating advanced sensors, weapons, and cyber security features, while legacy upgrades address obsolescence and emergent operational requirements. The Combat System Test Bed provides high-fidelity modeling and simulation to support developmental and operational testing, reducing costs and improving test coverage. Collaborative planning tools are being integrated to enhance multi-ship and strike group coordination for integrated air and missile defense.

The acquisition strategy leverages a mix of competitive and sole-source contracts with major industry partners, Navy warfare centers, and technical direction agents. Development follows a four-phase approach: requirements definition, code development and integration, system and weapon element integration, and shipboard testing and certification. This structured methodology ensures that new capabilities are thoroughly engineered, tested, and fielded in alignment with fleet needs and operational timelines.