The Directed Energy Capability Enablers (DE-CE) initiative is designed to fundamentally transform naval operations in contested environments by seamlessly integrating emerging radio-frequency and optical spectrum technologies with conventional, non-directed energy (non-DE) systems across all operational domains, including undersea, surface, land, and air. By utilizing high-power photonics, radio-frequency plasmas, pulsed signal amplification, and laser-enabled sciences, the program focuses on delivering non-lethal, "less-than-damage" effects that significantly enhance existing kinetic weapon effectiveness, long-range sensing, situational awareness, and electronic supremacy. This strategic integration is executed through a flexible, phased development approach, progressing from initial concept demonstrations to fully integrated, operational fleet capabilities — to ensure adaptive defense and secure total battlefield dominance.
The DE-CE initiative is structured across a phased 15-year timeline, starting with a 5-year phase dedicated to establishing proofs of concept and functional prototypes for long-range optical, RF plasma-based sensing, high-power photonic situational awareness, counter-sensor disruption, and pulsed signal amplification. By the 10-year mark, the program transitions these technologies into fieldable, mature systems deployed on select platforms and integrated with existing command-and-control architectures for rigorous operational evaluation in realistic maritime environments. Ultimately, the 15-year horizon achieves full fleet-wide integration with standardized protocols, featuring advanced multi-spectral sensor fusion, cognitive and self-adjusting adaptive systems, and continuous R&D into next-generation technologies like advanced materials and super intelligence-driven controls to maintain long-term technological dominance.
Research Challenges and Opportunities
Develop DE-enabled sensors to characterize the battlefield, gather intelligence, and image distant objects for defense and dual-use applications
Combine DE capabilities with traditional sensors and integrate them into existing networks using fusion algorithms
Develop and evaluate DE techniques to disrupt, deceive, and counter representative threat sensors across the electromagnetic spectrum
Build and field-test functional prototypes — including long-range optics, RF plasmas, and high-power photonics — to enhance navigation, target ID, and environmental awareness
Demonstrate pulsed amplification technologies to enhance range and performance in communications, electronic warfare, and sensor systems
How to Submit
For detailed application and submission information for this research topic, please refer to our broad agency announcement (BAA) No. N0001425SB001.
Contracts: All white papers and full proposals for contracts must be submitted through the ONR Submission Portal; instructions are included in the BAA.
Grants: All white papers for grants must be submitted through the ONR Submission Portal, and full proposals for grants must be submitted through grants.gov; instructions are included in the BAA.