DAHLGREN, Va. –
As modern threats to naval forces evolve, it is critical that our responses do as well. Adversaries are rapidly developing advanced missile systems, stealth technologies and electronic warfare capabilities that challenge traditional defense strategies. Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) provides a technological edge that ensures that in the face of uncertainty, the Navy has no peers, no fear.
CEC is a live data-sharing system that advances battlespace awareness and weapon coordination across the Navy. Through a combination of hardware and software, CEC is designed to strengthen the anti-air and surface warfare of Navy ships and aircraft by aggregating radar and sensor data to create a full picture of the battlespace across the CEC network.
“This is a real-time sensor netting system that enables high-quality situational awareness and integrated fire-control capability,” said William Buckingham, track management program director. “Dahlgren contributes to fleet readiness by overseeing CEC software design, development and testing, providing technical oversight into software issues during product development which provides enhanced force level awareness and tactical warfare capability to the Navy and Marine Corps.”
Key features of the capability include a Cooperative Engagement Processor for a sensor network and a Data Distribution System (DDS) for live-data exchange to participating units. These components allow for a Navy advantage by increasing depth-of-fire, enabling longer intercept ranges and improving decision and reaction times.
A concept originally created during the Cold War by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory has become a cornerstone of the Aegis Combat System. This integrated warfare system serves as a primary protective shield for the Navy. Although originating elsewhere, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division played a key part in the integration and fielding of CEC as they acted as the lifecycle software engineering agent for the CEC program office.
While Aegis has evolved through baselines, it wasn’t until Baseline 6 that CEC was incorporated into the system. Today, the capability has five different adaptations. These include the USG-2 and the USG-2B, both installed on select Aegis cruisers and destroyers, as well as aircraft carriers and ships, USG-2B being the upgraded model used on newer ships. The USG-3, the older version, is used in the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 aircraft and the USG-3B, the upgraded version, is used in the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. Finally, the USG-4B is used by the Marine Corps as a ground mobile CEC Composite Tracking Network, participating in the DDS network with the Navy.
As the maritime battlespace increases in complexity, CEC serves as a digital armor. By enabling flawless coordination and extending the reach of the surface combat systems, CEC ensures our naval forces remain agile, lethal and prepared to counter any aerial threat. Its incorporation into modern warfighting reflects the Navy’s commitment to embracing innovation, maintaining a sense of urgency and delivering uncompromising technical excellence.