Warfighter Sustainment Applied Research

The Warfighter Sustainment Applied Research program (PE 0602236N) is a Navy research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) line item focused on advancing technologies that enhance the performance, protection, and readiness of U.S. Sailors and Marines. Managed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), this program supports applied research efforts across artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled decision aides, autonomy, human-machine teaming, augmented performance, command and control, and protective equipment. The goal is to ensure naval personnel can outthink, outperform, and outfight adversaries in complex maritime environments, while also improving the resilience and operational effectiveness of naval platforms.

Advanced naval materials research is a major component of this program, with objectives centered on developing and validating new materials and manufacturing processes to improve platform survivability, operational endurance, and climate resilience. Key efforts include research on piezoelectric transduction materials for improved sonar sensors, nano-ceramics for enhanced platform resilience, high thermal conductivity materials for electronics, and advanced structural alloys and composites. The program also investigates corrosion control technologies, additive manufacturing, and hybrid welding processes, all aimed at reducing maintenance costs and increasing the longevity and reliability of naval systems.

Biocentric technologies research seeks to leverage biological principles and synthetic biology to create novel materials, power sources, and autonomous systems. This includes bio-inspired underwater vehicle propulsion, microbial fuel cells, bioelectronics, and multi-spectral camouflage. The program also addresses marine mammal health and performance, developing therapeutics and diagnostic tools for the Navy Marine Mammal Program. It explores warfighter augmentation through advanced diving equipment and manned-unmanned teaming platforms to improve situational awareness and operational flexibility.

Human factors and organizational design activities focus on optimizing decision-making and human-machine teaming in operational settings. Research areas include cognitive science for human-machine teaming, development of agile humanoid robots, social network analysis for information environment assessment, and AI-enabled decision support tools for command and control. The program aims to enhance the effectiveness of mixed human-robot teams, improve system interfaces, and develop training methodologies to reduce decision biases and performance errors in high-stress environments.

Medical and human performance technologies are dedicated to sustaining, extending, and repairing warfighter endurance and readiness. Efforts include developing advanced bandages, biomedical sensors, autonomous casualty care devices, and augmented reality platforms for low-visibility environments. Research also targets noise reduction for tactical jets, prevention of decompression sickness, and wearable physiological sensors to monitor and enhance warfighter health and safety during operations.

The Office of Naval Research Global serves as an external facilitator for the Naval Research Enterprise, embedding Science Advisors with operational forces to identify and translate science and technology needs. The program supports international science engagement, leveraging global research to reduce technological surprise and foster cooperation with allies and partners. These efforts help shape the Navy's investment strategy and ensure rapid prototyping and transition of new capabilities to the fleet.

Training technologies research is aimed at developing adaptive, scalable training solutions using immersive environments, artificial intelligence, and simulation-based platforms. The focus is on enhancing individual and team readiness, integrating new technologies and threats into training curricula, and improving assessment and delivery of training content. Investments in live, virtual, and constructive training technologies support distributed maritime operations and cyber resilience.

The program also includes Congressional Adds that address specific, emerging needs such as cross-domain naval robots, innovative coatings, rapid materials processing, anti-corrosion nanotechnology, augmented reality robotic surgery, and protection against directed energy. These targeted investments accelerate the development and fielding of critical technologies that address operational gaps and enhance warfighter protection and performance.