Report on Gun-Launched Electromagnetic Obscuration Capabilities for Naval Systems

(a) In general Not later than March 1, 2027, the Secretary of the Navy, in coordination with the Chief of Naval Research and the Commander of the Naval Surface and Undersea Warfare Centers, shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on the feasibility and operational utility of integrating electromagnetic obscurant payloads into existing 5-inch naval cargo rounds. (b) Contents The report under subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) An assessment of the feasibility of integrating radiofrequency chaff or other electromagnetic obscurant payloads into existing 5-inch naval cargo rounds and Mk 45 naval gun systems. (2) An assessment of the operational utility of gun-launched electromagnetic obscuration capabilities for degrading adversary radar tracking, targeting, and sensor fusion in contested maritime environments. (3) A description of ongoing or planned prototyping, testing, or live-fire demonstration activities related to ship-launched electromagnetic countermeasure payload delivery. (4) An assessment of integration considerations, including shipboard storage, handling, payload dispersion, range, and compatibility with existing naval gun systems. (5) An assessment of opportunities to leverage existing cargo munition technologies, infrastructure, or cross-service technical expertise relevant to electromagnetic payload delivery. (c) Form The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.