Surface Ship Torpedo Defense

Surface Ship Torpedo Defense falls under the Navy's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget activity. The program's specific goals include providing a detect-to-engage layered torpedo defense capability for High Value Units (HVUs). This is achieved through the development and fielding of the AN/SLQ-25 (NIXIE) system, Torpedo Warning System (TWS), the Countermeasure Anti-Torpedo (CAT), and Acoustic Device Countermeasure (Surface ADC MK2). The program aims to evaluate new technologies and capabilities developed under the Future Naval Capabilities (FNC), Small Business and Innovative Research (SBIR), and other RDT&E initiatives to improve ship survivability. Additionally, it focuses on developing a more modular, maintainable, and cyber-secure AN/SLQ-25E system to outpace emerging threats in torpedo defense.

The Surface Ship Torpedo Defense program also includes specific objectives such as the development and fielding of five ATTDS Engineering Design Models (EDMs) systems on CVNs, with each EDM system equipped with a maximum load out of eight CATs. The program aims to support minimal system preservation efforts on remaining CVN installations in FY23 and FY24 while focusing on completing the removal and disposition of ATTDS assets in FY25 through FY27. Furthermore, it seeks to improve the safety and reliability of the AN/SLQ-25E towed winch and reel system through research and development efforts supported by Congressional adds. Overall, the program's objectives revolve around enhancing torpedo defense capabilities through ongoing research, development, testing, and evaluation initiatives to ensure ship survivability against projected threats.