# Defense Research Sciences — Program Element 0601153N

**Program element:** 0601153N  
**Component:** U.S. Navy  
**Appropriation:** 1319 — RDT&E, Navy  
**Budget Activity:** 1 — Basic Research  
**Vintage:** President's Budget PB2027  
**Canonical URL:** https://hitchintel.com/programs/0601153N

## Summary

U.S. Navy requests $525.4M in FY2027, sustained across the five-year plan. In the FY2027 defense authorization, the House added 0.5% (to $527.9M); the Senate added 2.9% (to $540.5M); House appropriators added 6.7% (to $560.4M).

## Funding profile

| Fiscal Year | Estimate Type | Amount ($M) |
|---|---|---|
| FY2025 | Actual | 487.2 |
| FY2026 | Enacted | 527.6 |
| FY2027 | Request | 525.4 |
| FY2028 | Outyear | 544.3 |
| FY2029 | Outyear | 575.8 |
| FY2030 | Outyear | 569.5 |
| FY2031 | Outyear | 559.2 |

> Estimate types are not summed — the profile mixes actuals, enacted law, the request, and outyear projections.

## Congressional marks (FY2027)

| Stage | Marked ($M) | Change ($M) |
|---|---|---|
| Request | 525.4 | — |
| House NDAA (HASC) | 527.9 | +2.5 |
| Senate NDAA (SASC) | 540.5 | +15.1 |
| House Approps (HAC-D) | 560.4 | +35.0 |

> FY2027 NDAA authorization marks, as of 2026-07-27. Not appropriations or final law.

## Projects (28)

| Project | Title | FY2025 actual | FY2026 enacted | FY2027 request | Move |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1398 | Ocean Atmosphere and Space Sciences | 117.7 | 127.5 | 114.9 | −10% |
| 1506 | Materials/Electronics | 0.0 | 114.8 | 109.6 | −5% |
| 1402 | Naval STEM, Outreach, & Partnerships | 17.0 | 56.8 | 62.4 | +10% |
| 1502 | C5ISR/Naval Space | 0.0 | 57.9 | 47.6 | −18% |
| 1505 | Human & Biological Systems | 0.0 | 45.5 | 30.8 | −32% |
| 1501 | Autonomy/AI | 0.0 | 2.9 | 27.7 | +842% |
| 3465 | In-House Lab Independent Res | 17.4 | 18.5 | 21.0 | +13% |
| 1510 | Expeditionary Campaign | 0.0 | 0.0 | 20.8 | new start |
| 1396 | Naval Engineering | 20.8 | 15.6 | 20.2 | +29% |
| 1400 | Power and Energy | 26.1 | 19.9 | 18.8 | −5% |
| 1507 | Naval Aerospace | 0.0 | 25.5 | 18.2 | −29% |
| 1503 | Directed Energy & Kinetic Systems | 0.0 | 16.9 | 17.2 | +2% |
| 1387 | Biotechnology | 22.7 | 0.0 | 9.6 | — |
| 1508 | Undersea Systems | 0.0 | 6.9 | 4.3 | −38% |
| 1394 | Manufacturing | 0.3 | 2.4 | 2.3 | −5% |
| 1099 | Experimentation and Analysis | 7.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | — |
| 1385 | Aerospace Sciences | 25.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | — |
| 1386 | Biomedical | 5.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | — |
| 1388 | Directed Energy | 7.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | — |
| 1389 | Electromagnetic Spectrum | 10.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | — |
| 1390 | Electronics | 47.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | — |
| 1391 | Full Spectrum Cyber | 12.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | — |
| 1392 | Human Systems | 34.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | — |
| 1393 | Kinetic Weapons | 6.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | — |
| 1395 | Materials | 56.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | — |
| 1401 | Undersea Systems Payloads and Weapons | 6.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | — |
| 5893 | Decision Superiority | 32.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | — |
| 9999 | Congressional Adds | 12.1 | 16.4 | 0.0 | −100% |

> Projects are the summable leaves: the program element total is their sum, never added to it.

### Project 1398 — Ocean Atmosphere and Space Sciences

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) was established by Congress in 1946 to plan, foster and encourage scientific research in recognition of its paramount importance to the maintenance of future naval power and national security; to provide within the Department of the Navy a single office, which, by contract and otherwise, shall be able to obtain, coordinate, and make available to all bureaus and activities of the Department of the Navy, world-wide scientific information and the necessary services for conducting specialized and imaginative research; to establish a Naval Research Advisory Committee consisting of persons preeminent in the fields of research, to consult with and advise the Chief of such Office in matters pertaining to research The Office of Naval Research shall perform such duties as the Secretary of the Navy prescribes relating to the execution of, and management responsibility for, programs for which funds are provided in the basic and applied research and advanced technology categories of the Department of the Navy research, development, test, and evaluation budget in such a manner that will foster the transition of science and technology to higher levels of research, development, test, and evaluation. This Program Element (PE) supports the Basic Research portion of the Department of the Navy (DON) science and technology (S&T) portfolio, laying the foundation for new innovative technologies and future capabilities for Naval warfighters. Efforts within this PE address Ocean Atmosphere and Space Sciences. Ocean Battlespace Sensing research activities span a number of disciplines in support of Navy and Marine Corp operational missions. This research area supports theoretical and experimental investigations directed toward increasing knowledge and understanding of the physical, chemical, engineering, environmental and life sciences fundamental to naval operations, including expeditionary operations. Naval Operations research areas will include mine warfare, mine countermeasures, ocean acoustics, naval special warfare (governed by Littoral Geosciences), the reliable use of unmanned/robotic systems, autonomous operations, remote sensing, anti-submarine warfare, ocean engineering, artic operations, marine mammals/biology, physical oceanography, metrology/METOC and emerging undersea warfare capabilities.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Sciences | 70.4 | 68.1 | 54.9 |
| Expeditionary Ocean Atmosphere and Space Sciences | 2.3 | 3.1 | 0.0 |
| Battlespace Environments | 19.9 | 25.8 | 31.3 |
| Space Research | 17.9 | 22.8 | 0.0 |
| Physical Oceanography and Prediction | 4.7 | 4.2 | 6.6 |
| Ocean Acoustics | 2.5 | 3.5 | 2.0 |
| Research Facilities | 0.0 | 0.0 | 20.1 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1506 — Materials/Electronics

This Focus Area (FA) enhances the performance, affordability, survivability, and reliability of the future fleet and force by developing materials with novel or enhanced properties suited to the unique needs of Navy and Marine Corps platforms and systems. Research relevant to enabling enhanced performance and resiliency of naval systems and platforms are included in this R-2 Activity.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics and Sensors Technology | 0.0 | 4.9 | 4.0 |
| Nanoscale Computing Devices and Systems | 0.0 | 5.3 | 4.7 |
| Functional Materials | 0.0 | 7.2 | 6.3 |
| Materials | 0.0 | 7.7 | 6.0 |
| Structural Materials | 0.0 | 7.2 | 5.6 |
| Expeditionary Electromagnetic Spectrum | 0.0 | 1.8 | 0.0 |
| Expeditionary Electronics | 0.0 | 1.1 | 0.0 |
| Expeditionary Materials | 0.0 | 1.9 | 0.0 |
| Materials and Chemistry | 0.0 | 35.6 | 45.1 |
| Electronics Materials and Processes | 0.0 | 42.1 | 37.9 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1402 — Naval STEM, Outreach, & Partnerships

The Naval STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) research area proactively addresses a variety of naval, and national, security issues by fostering and cultivating a world-class workforce as necessary to maintain the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps technological superiority. The Naval STEM research area supports strategic opportunities that inspire, engage, educate, employ, develop, and retain the current and future workforce through a portfolio of research and initiatives. Naval STEM initiatives are coordinated across the Naval Research Enterprise (NRE) to provide critical skills and career opportunity awareness.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naval STEM | 17.0 | 32.6 | 39.0 |
| Historically Black Colleges and Universities / Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) | 0.0 | 8.9 | 9.2 |
| Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program and The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (NREIP/SEAP) | 0.0 | 2.6 | 2.8 |
| Young Investigator Program (YIP) | 0.0 | 12.6 | 11.5 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1502 — C5ISR/Naval Space

The Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Naval Space activity researches and develops technology for the naval force to obtain decisive competitive advantage across the range of naval missions and levels of warfare. This project conducts fundamental research in data science, mathematical optimization, computational and information sciences, command and control (C2), combat systems, communications, cyber security, cyber operations, electromagnetic warfare (EMW), sensing and surveillance, and quantum sciences.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence, Data Sciences, and Quantum Information Sciences | 0.0 | 25.1 | 19.4 |
| Communications and Networks | 0.0 | 0.9 | 7.2 |
| Complex Software Systems and Cybersecurity | 0.0 | 8.4 | 7.9 |
| Electromagnetic Warfare | 0.0 | 2.3 | 2.1 |
| Expeditionary Cyber | 0.0 | 2.1 | 0.0 |
| Information Technology | 0.0 | 14.1 | 4.9 |
| Networked Sensing | 0.0 | 0.8 | 1.0 |
| Quantum Measurement Architectural Devices | 0.0 | 3.1 | 3.6 |
| Research Platforms | 0.0 | 1.1 | 1.6 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1505 — Human & Biological Systems

Human and Biological Systems conducts fundamental research to enhance performance and effectiveness of naval personnel, technologies, and systems. This will integrate the complex relationships amongst humans, biological systems, and technology to develop revolutionary solutions that enhance physical and cognitive performance, safety, casualty care, training and readiness and reduce vulnerabilities in all domains.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bio-Inspired Systems and Soft Robotics | 0.0 | 2.9 | 2.5 |
| Biosciences, Bioengineering, and Synthetic Biology | 0.0 | 6.8 | 7.2 |
| Expeditionary Biomedical | 0.0 | 1.7 | 0.0 |
| Expeditionary Naval Engineering | 0.0 | 2.9 | 0.0 |
| Human-Level Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy | 0.0 | 4.9 | 4.6 |
| Sailor Health and Performance | 0.0 | 4.2 | 8.0 |
| Physiological Monitoring and Modeling | 0.0 | 10.7 | 0.0 |
| Warfighter Decision Superiority and Readiness | 0.0 | 8.3 | 8.5 |
| Warfighter Lethality and Survivability | 0.0 | 3.0 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1501 — Autonomy/AI

The Autonomy/ AI Project conducts foundational research in: machine learning, reasoning and intelligence; automated image, scene, and signal understanding; large-scale distributed decision making; transferring learning and sharing knowledge across domains; creating trusted and explainable artificial intelligence; and human-AI collaboration techniques. Results of this research will lead to trusted, advanced AI techniques that will solve more complex tasks and enhance autonomy for DON systems and missions.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expeditionary Decision Superiority | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 |
| Science of Artificial Intelligence | 0.0 | 2.0 | 13.4 |
| Intelligent & Collaborative Agents | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.3 |
| Science of Autonomy | 0.0 | 0.0 | 10.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 3465 — In-House Lab Independent Res

The In-house Laboratory Independent Research (ILIR) initiative seeks to improve the quality of defense research conducted predominantly through the Naval Warfare Centers/Laboratories. It also supports the development of technical intellect and education of engineers and scientists in disciplines critical to national defense needs through the development of new knowledge in a military laboratory environment. Initial research focus is often conducted in an unfettered environment since it is basic research, but many projects focus on applying recently developed theoretical knowledge to real world military problems with the intention of developing new capabilities and improving the performance of existing systems.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-House Laboratory Independent Research (ILIR) | 17.4 | 18.5 | 21.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1510 — Expeditionary Campaign

This project funds fundamental research that will lay the foundation for new innovative technologies and future capabilities for naval and expeditionary forces. It provides the foundation of research that enables Naval Forces to fight threats and adversaries in expeditionary operations. Research efforts include theoretical and experimental investigations directed toward increasing knowledge and understanding of the physical, chemical, engineering, environmental and life sciences. The project advances science that is needed to address a range of research challenges that result from physical and operational environmental limitations so harsh that solutions push basic discovery and invention.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Command, Control, Communications, and Computers (C4) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 3.0 |
| Force Protection | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.5 |
| Human Performance, Training and Education | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.8 |
| Intelligence, Surveillance, And Reconnaissance (ISR) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.5 |
| Logistics | 0.0 | 0.0 | 5.1 |
| Expeditionary Cyber | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.5 |
| Maneuver | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.4 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1396 — Naval Engineering

This Focus Area (FA) addresses the design, fabrication, integration, and operation of ground and sea naval warfare platforms, sensors, weapons, networks, and countermeasures to maximize their operational availability and effectiveness. Research efforts regarding all aspects of platform performance, platform survivability in support of future platform-building programs, platform autonomy, autonomous systems, and control for naval systems are included in this R-2 Activity.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform Design and Engineering | 15.8 | 5.0 | 4.8 |
| Sea Warfare and Weapons STEM | 2.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Expeditionary Naval Engineering | 2.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Resilient Naval System Science | 0.0 | 5.6 | 13.5 |
| Integrated Cyber-Physical Systems | 0.0 | 5.0 | 1.8 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1400 — Power and Energy

The vision of the Power and Energy Focus Area is "Naval Missions unconstrained by power and energy. The Power and Energy Focus Area enable increasingly efficient, reliable, resilient and abundant energy for Navy and Marine Corps infrastructure, platforms, systems and equipment. This focus area develops energy/power/thermal technologies required to deliver advanced naval capabilities and the ability to sustain/operate in contested logistics environments.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Propulsion, Power and Thermal Management | 3.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Power, Energy and Propulsion | 11.8 | 9.9 | 11.8 |
| Sea Warfare and Weapons STEM | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Expeditionary Power and Energy | 1.4 | 1.3 | 0.0 |
| Structural Materials | 7.9 | 8.7 | 7.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1507 — Naval Aerospace

The Naval Aerospace activity develops technologies for the science and engineering of flight from the land and sea surfaces to the edge of the atmosphere, and as applicable to the utilization of flight for aircraft, missiles, rockets, munitions, and unmanned systems (UxS) employed by the Navy and Marine Corps forces operating from naval platforms or land locations.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerodynamics | 0.0 | 3.7 | 3.7 |
| Flight Dynamics & Controls | 0.0 | 4.2 | 6.9 |
| Science of Autonomy | 0.0 | 8.7 | 0.2 |
| Aerospace Structures and Materials | 0.0 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
| Expeditionary Aerospace Sciences | 0.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 |
| Aerospace Propulsion, Power and Thermal Management | 0.0 | 3.1 | 3.4 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1503 — Directed Energy & Kinetic Systems

The Directed Energy & Kinetic Systems activity develops technologies to advance Naval applications of both directed energy (DE) and kinetic weapons. The main focus of DE weapons is to develop technologies that enable laser and high-power microwave (HPM) weapon systems --within Navy and Marine Corps size, weight, and power (SWAP) constraints- to strike enemy targets and to defend naval platforms and land bases from threats. Additionally, the DE activity develops technologies that enable defense against adversary DE systems. The main focus of kinetic weapons is to develop technologies that address the Navy and Marine Corps fires requirements for extended range; increased precision; decreased weapons fly-out times; greater destructive power and novel effects; autonomy, swarming, and human-machine teaming; mission planning and decision making; reduced production costs, and increased inventory and availability.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Energetic Materials | 0.0 | 4.1 | 4.3 |
| Hypersonics | 0.0 | 3.8 | 4.0 |
| Pulsed Lasers | 0.0 | 3.4 | 3.6 |
| High Power Microwaves | 0.0 | 1.6 | 1.5 |
| High Energy Laser & Counter Directed Energy Weapons | 0.0 | 3.7 | 3.9 |
| Expeditionary Directed Energy | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1387 — Biotechnology

Shortages of domestically sourced raw materials and power and energy challenges demand alternative approaches to protect military capabilities from scarcity vulnerabilities. These biology-based solutions introduce new opportunities to reduce logistics and resource risk and improve technology-enabled military capabilities. The objective of this research area is to identify and use nature's biological principles in materials, biomechanics, bioenergy, bioelectronics, propulsion, and control to solve critical naval challenges. The resultant technologies provide solutions that are superior to those based on physical sciences and materials engineering approaches.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bio-Inspired Systems and Soft Robotics | 2.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Biosciences, Bioengineering, and Synthetic Biology for Future Naval Applications | 4.6 | 0.0 | 9.6 |
| Historically Black Colleges and Universities / Minority Institutions (HBCU/MI) | 6.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Naval Research Enterprise Intern Program (NREIP)/Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Young Investigator Program (YIP) | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Physiological Monitoring and Modeling | 8.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1508 — Undersea Systems

This Focus Area (FA) addresses innovative affordable, persistent, and stealthy undersea systems that leverage the asymmetric US Navy advantage afforded by subsurface operations

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undersea Systems | 0.0 | 6.9 | 4.3 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1394 — Manufacturing

This Focus Area (FA) develops processes technologies that acquisition programs need to make the design, fabrication, construction, repair, and sustainment of naval platforms more affordable. This FA also supports manufacturing S&T that accelerates the delivery of capabilities to the fleet and force. Advanced manufacturing technologies include additive manufacturing, repair and sustainment technologies, and coupling computational tools from design to sustainment.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Warfare and Weapons STEM | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Additive Manufacturing Materials | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Computational Manufacturing Science | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Manufacturing Science | 0.0 | 0.9 | 0.9 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1099 — Experimentation and Analysis

Office of Naval Research Global (ONR Global) supports the basic research portion of the Department of the Navy (DON) science and technology (S&T) portfolio, by exploring science and technology research activities being conducted by scientists and universities outside of the United States. These basic research concepts have gone forward to become the foundation for new innovative technologies and future capabilities for naval warfighters. ONR Global's mission is to obtain, coordinate, and make available world-wide scientific information, to provide Global Technology Awareness; serve as an avenue for experimentation and analysis in support of transitioning basic research; provide rapid-prototyping solutions to problems submitted by Sailors and Marines world-wide; and to work closely with our unparalleled network of allies and partners to support the strategy of integrated deterrence across the globe. This project unit supports higher guidance defined by the National Defense Strategy and responds to requirements identified by the Secretary of the Navy through research priorities set by the Chief of Naval Research and outlined in the Naval R&D Framework. Research activities support long-term investments as outlined in an S&T Strategic Plan. The basic research conducted within this project activity supports areas of traditional, unique and emerging naval need to help ensure naval operational readiness and unsurpassed warfighting capabilities in the maritime domain. The basic research conducted within this project unit is expected to be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 1 (basic principles observed and reported) up to TRL 2 (technology concept and/or application formulation). DRS basic research (BA1) results provide the foundation for later applied research (BA2) and advanced technology development (BA3) solution options for the Navy and Marine Corps. ONR Global S&T research follows the trend of other DRS activities by advancing aspects of applied research and technology development that are developed into solutions for Navy and Marine Corps technical challenges via the Future Naval Capabilities (FNCs) pipeline, and new capability options for the future via the Innovative Naval Prototypes (INPs) portfolio.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Technology Awareness | 7.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1385 — Aerospace Sciences

The Aerospace Sciences activity develops technologies for the science and engineering of flight from the land and sea surfaces to the edge of the atmosphere, and as applicable to the utilization of flight for aircraft, missiles, rockets, munitions, and unmanned systems (UxS) employed by the Navy and Marine Corps forces operating from naval platforms or land locations.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerodynamics | 3.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Flight Dynamics & Controls | 5.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Aerospace Structures and Materials | 3.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Science of Autonomy | 8.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| STEM | 3.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Expeditionary Aerospace Sciences | 1.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1386 — Biomedical

The health and performance of Sailors and Marines is a top priority. Research in the biomedical sciences allow us to discover and leverage breakthroughs that will improve Naval warfighter performance so they can fight, win and come home safe. Conducting research to gain a better understanding of the biomedical challenges of warfighters in their operating environments will ensure optimal performance, prevent injury, and equip the DON to provide the best care for its warfighters.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expeditionary Biomedical | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Naval Force Health Protection and Human Performance | 3.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| NREIP/SEAP | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Young Investigator Program | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1388 — Directed Energy

The Directed Energy (DE) activity develops technologies that enable laser and high-power microwave (HPM) weapon systems, within Navy and Marine Corps size, weight, and power (SWAP) constraints, to strike enemy targets and to defend naval platforms and land bases from threats. Additionally, the DE activity develops technologies that enable defense against adversary DE systems.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultra Short Pulse Laser | 2.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| High Power Microwaves | 1.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| High Energy Laser & Counter Directed Energy Weapons | 3.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Expeditionary Directed Energy | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1389 — Electromagnetic Spectrum

The Electromagnetic Spectrum research area conducts fundamental research in areas that utilize the electromagnetic spectrum to deliver operational capability to the warfighter. This research area focuses on new concepts that increase knowledge and develops advanced capabilities regarding sensing, atmospheric considerations, networking, quantum phenomena, electromagnetic warfare, and the innovative use of the electromagnetic spectrum to provide a significant warfighting advantage. Research efforts include: Research Platforms, Networking Sensing, Quantum Measurement Architectural Devices, Expeditionary Electromagnetic Spectrum and Electromagnetic Warfare.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Platforms | 1.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Networked Sensing | 0.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Quantum Measurement Architectural Devices | 2.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Expeditionary Electromagnetic Spectrum | 1.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Electromagnetic Warfare | 4.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1390 — Electronics

The Electronics research area conducts basic research focused on increasing knowledge, developing advanced components and materials for electronics, communication systems, sensing devices, etc., to ensure the Naval warfighter can counter current and future threats. The research activities will focus on the following areas: - Nanoscale Computing Devices and Systems - Electronics and Sensors Technology - Expeditionary Electronics - Electronic Materials and Processes

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nanoscale Computing Devices and Systems | 5.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Electronics and Sensors Technology | 5.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Expeditionary Electronics | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Electronics Materials and Processes | 36.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1391 — Full Spectrum Cyber

The Full Spectrum Cyber research area addresses a number of research topics to include, but not limited to, advanced/emerging and theoretical implications of advanced networking architectures, neural networks, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), secure software algorithms, autonomous operating agents/systems, vulnerability analysis, use of intelligent agents, cryptographic computing, defenses against cyber-attacks, threat modeling, privacy-enhancing technologies, covert and encrypted communications, reconfigurable system design, quantum sensors, etc. Basic research activities within this area include: - Complex Software Systems and Cybersecurity - Expeditionary Cyber - Networks and Communications - Science of Artificial Intelligence

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complex Software Systems and Cybersecurity | 8.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Expeditionary Cyber | 1.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Networks and Communications | 1.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Science of Artificial Intelligence | 1.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1392 — Human Systems

Humans are at the core of every current and foreseeable Naval mission, whether they are assessing, coordinating and communicating decisions and actions across and within command echelons, planning and directing missions, controlling, managing or supervising systems in support of a mission, or directly executing the mission. The ability to select, train, sustain, maintain, and improve innate human competencies extends the warfighter's ability to meet current and anticipated needs. Creating synergies between warfighters and their technologies positions naval forces to quickly pivot to meet and dominate future challenges. The basic research in this project will lead to the development of future capabilities for maintaining, sustaining, and enhancing a warfighter's performance across a range of missions and operational environments throughout their career. The science and resulting technologies enable streamlined talent management, enhance cognitive and physical performance, and augment warfighter-machine teaming for greater operational effectiveness.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expeditionary Human Systems | 5.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Human-Level Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy | 7.9 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| NREIP/SEAP | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Science of Artificial Intelligence | 7.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Social Networks and Computational Social Science | 5.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| STEM for Warfighter Performance | 1.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Training and Education for Naval Readiness | 3.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Warfighter Lethality and Survivability | 2.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Young Investigator Program | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1393 — Kinetic Weapons

The Kinetic Weapons activity develops technologies to address the Navy and Marine Corps fires requirements for extended range, increased precision, decreased weapons fly-out times, greater destructive power, novel weapons effects, autonomy, human-machine teaming, reduced weapons costs, mission planning, and mass-producible swarming munitions.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Energetic Materials | 3.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Hypersonics | 3.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1395 — Materials

This Focus Area (FA) enhances the performance, affordability, survivability, and reliability of the future fleet and force by developing materials with novel or enhanced properties suited to the unique needs of Navy and Marine Corps platforms and systems. Research relevant to enabling enhanced performance and resiliency of naval systems and platforms are included in this R-2 Activity

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | 7.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Sea Warfare and Weapons STEM | 1.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Expeditionary Materials | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Materials and Chemistry | 30.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Undersea Materials | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Functional Materials | 7.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Structural Materials | 7.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 1401 — Undersea Systems Payloads and Weapons

This Focus Area (FA) addresses innovative affordable, persistent, and stealthy undersea systems that leverage the asymmetric US Navy advantage afforded by subsurface operations.

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undersea Weaponry | 5.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Sea Warfare and Weapons STEM | 1.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 5893 — Decision Superiority

The Decision Superiority research area explores and develops technology for the naval force to include information processing, understanding, analysis, decision-making, and execution to obtain decisive competitive advantage across the range of naval missions and levels of warfare. Advanced communications and networking and precision navigation and timing (PNT) technology will accelerate and expand the Navy and Marine Corps ability to access high quality information for the kill web and to use information for operational effects and advantage with incredible ubiquity, accuracy, precision, security, integrity, and speed. Basic research efforts within this research area includes: - Communications and Networks - Artificial Intelligence, Data Sciences, and Quantum Information Sciences - Young Investigator Program (YIP) - Expeditionary Decision Superiority - Information Technology

| Activity (R-2A) | FY2025 | FY2026 | FY2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communications and Networks | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Artificial Intelligence, Data Sciences, and Quantum Information Sciences | 22.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Young Investigator Program (YIP) | 2.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Expeditionary Decision Superiority | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Information Technology | 5.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 |

> R-2A activities carry the prior, current and budget year only — no five-year plan. Coverage is partial, so count them, never total them.

### Project 9999 — Congressional Adds

Congressional Interest Items not included in other Projects.

## Mission & acquisition strategy

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) was established by Congress in 1946 to plan, foster and encourage scientific research in recognition of its paramount importance to the maintenance of American naval power and national security. ONR manages the Department of the Navy's (DON) portfolio of Basic Research (BA1), Applied Research (BA2) and Advanced Technology Development (BA3) investments to ensure naval forces can effectively deter conflict, but when called upon, are equipped and prepared to fight, win and return home safely.

## Related program elements

- [0604030N — Rapid Prototyping, Experimentation & Dem](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0604030N) (Navy)
- [0602236N — Warfighter Sustainment Applied Res](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0602236N) (Navy)
- [0604617F — Agile Combat Support](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0604617F) (Air Force)
- [0603945D8Z — International Innovation Initiatives](https://hitchintel.com/programs/0603945D8Z) (Defense-Wide)

## Source & machine access

- **Source:** FY2027 Department of the Navy RDT&E Budget Justification, Exhibits R-2/R-3, PE 0601153N (PB PB2027); FY2027 NDAA committee marks (as of 2026-07-27).
- **MCP:** `mcp.hitchintel.com` — `budget_get_program_element(pe="0601153N")`.

*HitchAI is an independent intelligence service, not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense. Budget figures are requests/estimates, not obligations.*