Navy Funds Cyber-Resilient Naval Shipboard Power Systems
The research project aims to secure digital electrical controls against adversarial access by October 2030.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Cybersecurity
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The U.S. Office of Naval Research has awarded Integer Technologies a $23.1 million contract to develop cyber-resilient power systems for naval vessels. This research project, currently in the initial development phase, aims to secure shipboard electrical controls against unauthorized access.
Why it matters
The initiative addresses critical vulnerabilities in shipboard digital controls, seeking to maintain operational performance during adversarial cyberattacks. It marks a push to integrate security into time-sensitive naval infrastructure without compromising power system reliability.
The project operates under a $23.1 million cost-plus-fixed-fee agreement to support the Threat Resilient Integrated Defense for Enhanced Naval Technologies program. The research will span a multi-year period, with the base phase backed by $10.1 million in fiscal 2026 funding.
The players
Integer Technologies
A defense technology firm focusing on naval cyber resilience and integrated maritime systems.
Florida State University
A research university that hosts the Center for Advanced Power Systems to study grid security.
Office of Naval Research
The branch of the U.S. Navy responsible for funding and overseeing fundamental scientific research.
The details
The research focuses on implementing zero-trust architecture—a security model requiring strict identity verification for every person and device trying to access resources on a private network—within shipboard power systems. Integer Technologies and Florida State University's Center for Advanced Power Systems will develop methods to monitor both digital and physical states of electrical grids. These systems are designed to detect unauthorized access and ensure power continuity during active cyber threats.
Timeline
Fiscal 2026: The Navy obligated $10.1 million in research and development funding for the contract base period.
October 2030: The anticipated conclusion of all contract work.
The Tech Race
This project aligns with the goals of the Threat Resilient Integrated Defense for Enhanced Naval Technologies program to harden critical infrastructure. It follows a competitive broad agency announcement, positioning the partners to define future naval cyber-defense standards.
This research is restricted to naval power systems and will not immediately impact commercial power or consumer electronics. The project is expected to continue through 2030, with future milestones dependent on the performance of initial base-period testing.
The takeaway
The Navy is prioritizing cyber-hardened power infrastructure to ensure mission continuity during adversarial interference. Observers should track the 36-month option period, which begins one year after the contract's execution, to gauge the program's long-term scalability.
Further reading
For broader trends in military digital protection, explore the latest Cybersecurity developments.
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