War Consumables

The War Consumables line item (LI 0720) in the Department of the Navy's FY 2026 Aircraft Procurement budget is designed to ensure the readiness and operational capability of naval aviation platforms by funding the procurement, modification, and upgrade of essential aircraft support equipment. The program specifically addresses two major subcategories: Common Aircraft Armament Equipment (AAE) and Aerial Refueling Stores (ARS). These investments are critical for maintaining fleet readiness, supporting new and legacy aircraft, and ensuring compliance with evolving operational requirements.

Common Aircraft Armament Equipment (AAE) is a key focus of the War Consumables line. The primary objective is to procure, modify, and upgrade Stores Suspension and Release Equipment (SSRE), including bomb racks, missile launchers, and related support systems. This equipment supports a wide range of platforms such as the F/A-18 A-F, EA-18G, AV-8B, AH-1W/Z, UH-1N/Y, and MH-60R/S. The program funds upgrades and reliability improvements to both common and peculiar bomb racks and missile launchers to address attrition losses, improve safety, and meet the Navy's commonality policy goals outlined in the Strike Warfare Master Plan.

A significant component within AAE is the procurement and upgrade of bomb racks. The BRU-55 B/A is an electronic upgrade to the BRU-33 CVER, enabling the carriage and release of two MIL-STD-1760 weapons from a single station on the F/A-18. The BRU-61 pneumatic rack is essential for the carriage of the Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) on F-35B and F-35C aircraft, using the Universal Armament Interface (UAI) software for communication between the aircraft and weapon. These upgrades are necessary to support SDB II warfighter requirements and ensure compatibility with both current and future aircraft.

The AAE program also includes funding for Pure Air Generating Systems (PAGS), which are used as on-board coolant generators for missile launchers carrying infrared-seeking missiles. The program supports two variants: Marotta Pure Air Compression Technology (MPACT) and High Pressure Pure Air Generators (HiPPAG). These systems are critical for the effective operation of advanced missile systems and contribute to overall mission success.

Aerial Refueling Stores (ARS) represent the second major subcategory within the War Consumables line. The ARS program finances the procurement, modification, and upgrade of aerial refueling systems, including the Digital Controller Upgrade (DCU), Optical Reference System (ORS), External Fuel Tanks (EFT), and related support equipment. The goal is to meet peacetime and wartime inventory objectives, support carrier-based tanking missions, and ensure the continued viability of the ARS through 2050. This includes addressing fatigue issues in external fuel tanks for F/A-18 A-D variants and integrating new technologies to support both manned and unmanned aerial refueling operations.

The ARS program also funds product support, modernization, and production engineering for both ARS and EFT products. This includes efforts to improve performance, reliability, and safety, as well as to achieve life cycle cost savings. Upgrades to individual ARS components are planned to enhance readiness and enable automated refueling from platforms such as the F/A-18 and MQ-25. Production support activities include qualification, integration, testing, and technical support to ensure successful fielding and sustainment of these critical systems.

The War Consumables line item is justified by the need to maintain and enhance the operational effectiveness of Navy and Marine Corps aviation assets. The FY 2026 budget request reflects ongoing efforts to address fleet requirements, implement engineering change proposals (ECPs), and support modernization initiatives. Funding fluctuations year-to-year are driven by the timing and prioritization of required modifications and upgrades across multiple aircraft types and mission sets. The program also incorporates cost-saving measures and workforce optimization in alignment with executive orders on government efficiency.