U.S. Navy Advances Next-Generation AI-Powered Submarine Combat Systems

AN/BYG-1 is an open-architecture submarine combat control system that integrates tactical control, payload and weapons control, information assurance, and a number of smaller subsystems and applications General Dynamics Mission Systems (Incumbent)

Multi-billion dollar initiative to integrate machine learning tactical assistants across submarine fleet by 2027

The U.S. Navy has launched an ambitious effort to revolutionize submarine warfare capabilities through the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning combat assistants, marking a significant shift toward autonomous undersea warfare systems.

Major Combat System Overhaul

The Navy's Program Executive Office for Undersea Weapons Systems (PEO UWS) and Submarine Combat and Weapons Control Program Office (PMS 425) recently issued a comprehensive Request for Information (RFI) outlining plans to modernize the AN/BYG-1 combat system—the Navy's primary undersea warfare platform deployed across all active submarines and those operated by the Royal Australian Navy.

The initiative encompasses three core capability updates: tactical control re-architecture, payload re-architecture, and most significantly, the development of new Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Tactical Decision Aids (AI/ML TDA). The contract award is scheduled for July 2027, with a base year and four option years that could extend through 2032.

Proven Virtual Technology Foundation

The Navy's confidence in AI integration stems from successful deployment of the AN/BYG-1 Virtual Twin (vTwin) system, which achieved major milestones in 2020-2021. Developed by Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport, the vTwin provides equivalent combat control functionality in one-fourth the hardware footprint of traditional systems.

The vTwin successfully completed live-fire demonstrations in September 2020, launching exercise torpedoes and deploying machine learning applications at sea. The system demonstrated the Navy's goal of "Compile to Combat in 24 Hours" (C2C24)—the ability to rapidly deploy new capabilities from development to operational use.

Revolutionary Torpedo Technology

Central to the modernization effort is the Mk 58 Compact Rapid Attack Weapon (CRAW), a revolutionary 6.75-inch diameter torpedo that represents a paradigm shift in submarine armament. Developed through the Office of Naval Research's Project Revolver, CRAW enables multiple torpedoes to be packed into single launch tubes, dramatically increasing magazine depth.

Two variants are under development: Technology Insertion 1 (TI-1), led by Penn State University Applied Research Laboratory, focuses on rapid deployment of anti-submarine capabilities with Early Operational Capability expected by FY2026. Technology Insertion 2 (TI-2), developed by Raytheon, emphasizes mass production and enhanced counter-torpedo capabilities for both submarines and surface ships, with initial deliveries also planned for FY2026.

The Revolver Multi-Payload system allows Virginia-class submarines to deploy "a dozen or more torpedoes" in coordinated attacks, responding to urgent operational requirements from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. Strategic Command—likely related to potential Taiwan Strait scenarios.

Expanding Unmanned Capabilities

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is simultaneously advancing unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) programs that integrate with the new combat systems. Recent solicitations seek 12.75-inch diameter "one-way attack" UUVs capable of autonomous operations, while larger Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform (CAMP) vessels will handle extensive payload deployment missions.

In February 2024, DIU awarded contracts to Oceaneering International, Kongsberg Discovery, and Anduril Industries for Large Displacement Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (LDUUVs), with live demonstrations conducted throughout 2024. These platforms extend submarine reach while keeping crews away from contested environments.

AUKUS Alliance Integration

The modernization extends beyond U.S. forces, with the SSN AUKUS submarine program—a trilateral initiative between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—set to feature an "evolved version" of the AN/BYG-1 system. Australian Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy confirmed this decision represents lessons learned from the Collins-class program, emphasizing proven technology over new development.

The first Australian SSN AUKUS vessels will begin construction this decade using Australian steel meeting or exceeding both UK and US pressure hull standards, with delivery scheduled for the early 2040s.

Advanced Fleet Integration

The new framework demands containerization of AN/BYG-1 capabilities, integration of third-party systems, and incremental software builds every thirteen weeks. The system will manage both current weapons like heavyweight torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles, and emerging technologies including unmanned aerial systems and undersea countermeasures.

General Dynamics Mission Systems continues as the primary systems integrator, with ongoing technology insertion programs maintaining cutting-edge commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) computer integration. The company recently secured contracts exceeding $34 million for continued upgrades through 2025.

Strategic Implications

The timing reflects growing concerns about underwater warfare in the Pacific region, where adversaries are rapidly developing their own unmanned capabilities. The integration of AI tactical assistants represents the Navy's recognition that future undersea conflicts will require rapid decision-making beyond human capability in high-contact density environments.

Navy officials emphasize the modular approach allows continuous capability enhancement through spiral development, ensuring technological superiority as threats evolve. The initiative positions the U.S. submarine force to maintain dominance in an increasingly contested underwater domain.

As the Navy prepares for potential conflicts involving multiple simultaneous threats, these AI-powered combat systems may prove decisive in maintaining America's undersea warfare advantage well into the 2030s and beyond.

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SIDEBAR: Inside the Navy's AN/BYG-1 Modernization RFI

Contract Details:

• Issuing Office: Program Executive Office Undersea Weapons Systems (PEO UWS) Submarine Combat and Weapons Control Program Office (PMS 425)
• Award Timeline: July 2027 (notional)
• Contract Structure: One base year plus four option years
• Delivery Requirement: Ready-to-run, certified, fully-tested production hardware and software suite

Core Capability Requirements:

1. Tactical Control Re-architecture

• Containerization of existing AN/BYG-1 capabilities
• Integration of third-party systems and applications
• Enhanced sensor data processing from onboard systems
• Integration of off-hull information into tactical picture
• Improved contact and decision management tools

2. Payload Re-architecture

• Integration of new strike components
• Continued integration of Compact Rapid Attack Weapon (CRAW)
• Support for unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV)
• Integration of heavyweight torpedoes (HWT)
• Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) compatibility
• Enhanced undersea countermeasures

3. AI/ML Tactical Decision Aids (TDA)

• Machine learning algorithms for tactical decision support
• Automated threat assessment and prioritization
• Real-time data fusion and analysis
• Predictive targeting capabilities
• Enhanced situational awareness in high-contact density environments

Technical Specifications:

• Software Delivery: Incremental builds every 13 weeks
• Platform Coverage: U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and potential AUKUS Joint Program Office submarines
• System Integration: Current, future, and legacy AN/BYG-1 applications
• Architecture: New framework for streamlined capability delivery

Operational Focus Areas:

• Mission planning and execution
• Training system integration
• Payload command and control
• Weapons employment for contact management
• Both current and future tactical applications
• Combat control capabilities

Strategic Goals: According to PEO UWS, the new framework will support "processing of information from onboard sensors, integration of off-hull information into the tactical picture, and employment weapons for contact and decision management, mission planning, training, payload command and control, and other capabilities related to both current and future tactical, payload, and combat control applications."

The RFI represents the Navy's most comprehensive submarine combat system modernization effort since the original AN/BYG-1 deployment, positioning the service for next-generation undersea warfare challenges.

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SIDEBAR: Prime Contractors Expected to Compete for AN/BYG-1 Modernization

Current Market Leaders:

General Dynamics Mission Systems (Incumbent)

• Current Role: Prime systems integrator for AN/BYG-1 through its Progeny Systems division
• Track Record: $100+ million in recent AN/BYG-1 contracts since 2020, including TI-14, TI-16 technology insertions
• Facilities: Pittsfield, MA (primary); Fairfax, VA
• Advantages: Deep institutional knowledge, proven integration capabilities, existing workforce
• Key Systems: Tactical Control System (TCS), Payload Control System (PCS), Common Weapon Launcher (CWL)

Lockheed Martin

• Current Role: Electronic warfare systems (AN/BLQ-10), imaging systems (AN/BVY-1 ISIS), Australian program leadership
• Recent Wins: $1.36 billion AN/BLQ-10 contract (February 2025), $47 million EW upgrades (2024)
• Facilities: Syracuse, NY; Manassas, VA; Adelaide, Australia
• Advantages: AI/ML expertise, AUKUS integration experience, submarine combat system heritage spanning 40+ years
• Strategic Position: Lead combat system integrator for Australian submarines, strong international partnerships

Raytheon Technologies (RTX)

• Historical Role: Original AN/BYG-1 developer (as CCS Mk2), CRAW torpedo TI-2 contractor
• Current Systems: Tomahawk missiles, MK 54 torpedoes, naval radar systems
• Facilities: Portsmouth, RI; various defense electronics locations
• Advantages: Original system architecture knowledge, advanced missile integration, naval weapons expertise
• Recent Activity: $18 million in CRAW prototyping contracts, naval combat systems portfolio

Emerging Competitors:

Northrop Grumman

• Capabilities: Electronic warfare, cyber systems, autonomous platforms, AI/ML applications
• Submarine Experience: Various sonar and electronic systems
• Advantages: Advanced automation technologies, cybersecurity expertise
• Market Position: Strong in AI-driven defense systems

BAE Systems

• International Presence: Major European defense contractor with US operations
• Submarine Systems: UK submarine combat systems (BAECCS), naval electronics
• Advantages: AUKUS partnership, international submarine experience
• Recent Wins: $251 million AEGIS Combat System contract (February 2025)

L3Harris Technologies

• Specialties: Communications, electronic warfare, maritime systems
• Submarine Experience: Various submarine electronics and communications systems
• Advantages: Advanced communications technologies, naval integration experience
• Growth Areas: AI-enabled systems, autonomous platforms

AI-Specialized Companies Expected to Compete:

Palantir Technologies

• Core Capabilities: Data fusion, AI platform (AIP), Maven Smart System, machine learning algorithms
• Defense Track Record: $480 million Maven Smart System contract, $178 million Army TITAN program
• Submarine Relevance: Real-time data integration, AI-driven decision support, tactical intelligence processing
• Strategic Position: Proven at scale with sensitive government data, experience in complex multi-source integration

Anduril Industries

• AI Platform: Lattice OS autonomous decision-making system, edge AI processing
• Recent Wins: $100 million CDAO edge data integration contract, Replicator initiative participation
• Submarine Applications: Autonomous systems integration, AI-powered sensor fusion, real-time threat detection
• Advantages: Modern AI architecture, rapid development cycles, demonstrated autonomous platform integration
• Partnership: Strategic alliance with Palantir announced December 2024

Scale AI

• Specialization: AI/ML model training, data labeling, autonomous system development
• Government Contracts: Recent DOD flagship AI agent program, Army Robotic Combat Vehicle software
• Submarine Potential: Machine learning algorithm development, AI model training for tactical scenarios
• Focus: Training AI systems for complex military environments

C3.ai

• Platform: Enterprise AI applications, predictive analytics, real-time data processing
• Defense Experience: U.S. Air Force partnerships, collaboration with major defense contractors
• Submarine Applications: Predictive maintenance, operational optimization, sensor data analytics
• Advantages: Enterprise-scale AI deployment, proven industrial applications

Technology Giants with Defense AI Programs:

Google (Alphabet)

• Recent Development: $200 million Pentagon AI contract (July 2025) for advanced AI workflows
• Capabilities: TensorFlow, cloud computing, machine learning at scale
• Considerations: Previous employee resistance to military projects, policy restrictions

OpenAI

• Recent Development: $200 million Pentagon contract, partnership with Anduril for defense applications
• Capabilities: Large language models, advanced AI reasoning, real-time processing
• Applications: Natural language interfaces for combat systems, AI-assisted decision making

Anthropic

• Defense Entry: $200 million Pentagon AI contract (July 2025)
• Capabilities: Constitutional AI, safety-focused AI systems, complex reasoning
• Submarine Potential: Reliable AI decision-making in high-stakes environments

IBM

• Defense Portfolio: Extensive government contracts, AI Watson platform, quantum computing research
• Submarine Experience: Long history with military computing systems
• Partnership: Collaboration with Lockheed Martin on DOD AI challenges

Contract Strategy Considerations:

Likely Approach: The Navy may pursue a hybrid strategy, potentially selecting:

• Prime Integrator: General Dynamics (incumbent advantage) vs. Lockheed Martin (AI/international experience)
• Major Subcontractors: Multiple firms contributing specialized AI/ML capabilities, electronic warfare systems, and advanced computing platforms
• Technology Partners: Universities and specialized AI firms for machine learning algorithm development

Competitive Factors:

• Technical Innovation: AI/ML algorithm sophistication, real-time processing capabilities
• Integration Experience: Proven ability to integrate complex submarine systems without disrupting operations
• International Compatibility: AUKUS requirements and allied system interoperability
• Cost Effectiveness: Life-cycle cost management and technology refresh capabilities
• Schedule Performance: Ability to meet 2027 deployment timeline with 13-week software delivery cycles

Industry Intel: Sources suggest the competition will likely focus on AI/ML implementation approaches, with traditional submarine contractors partnering with technology firms to enhance their artificial intelligence capabilities. The winner will need to demonstrate both submarine domain expertise and cutting-edge AI integration skills.

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Sources

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