Navy Prioritized Modern Network Infrastructure Upgrades
The service has consolidated 600 legacy networks to support AI and autonomous systems integration.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Telecommunications
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Navy CIO Barry Tanner has moved to overhaul maritime digital infrastructure by consolidating over 600 disparate networks. The initiative aims to enable the persistent communication required for modern artificial intelligence and autonomous maneuvering operations.
Why it matters
Persistent connectivity is now a critical requirement for integrating autonomous systems and artificial intelligence into the fleet. This modernization effort focuses on removing legacy technical barriers that previously hampered coordinated operations.
The Navy has moved to consolidate 600 individual information technology networks into centralized systems. The effort includes a $99 million wireless connectivity contract awarded to Booz Allen Hamilton to modernize ship communications.
The players
Barry Tanner
The current Navy chief information officer responsible for leading the service's information technology modernization strategy.
Booz Allen Hamilton
A management and technology consulting firm specializing in defense and intelligence sector systems integration.
Hung Cao
The acting Secretary of the Navy who initiated the consolidation of over 600 legacy networks.
The details
The strategy centers on retiring legacy information technology systems to redirect resources toward modern 5G infrastructure. By integrating 5G on small unmanned aerial systems and aircraft carriers, the Navy aims to maintain high-speed data flow necessary for mission success. These updates occur alongside the Flank Speed Wireless program, which supports the data requirements for autonomous ship and flight operations.
Timeline
November 2025: Military Sealift Command awarded a $99 million wireless contract.
August 2026: Barry Tanner was confirmed as permanent Navy CIO.
September 22, 2026: Barry Tanner addressed defense modernization at a conference.
The Tech Race
This effort aligns with the Navy's Operation Cattle Drive initiative to modernize information technology systems. The consolidation marks a strategic shift to unify communications infrastructure that previously relied on siloed, legacy architectures.
The transition replaces legacy infrastructure with high-bandwidth wireless capabilities for military personnel and shipboard operations. This shift fundamentally alters the technical prerequisites for operating advanced autonomous naval hardware.
The takeaway
Reliable data connectivity is the primary enabler for the Navy's transition to AI-assisted combat and autonomous vessel operation. Observers should track the implementation of 5G across the fleet to gauge the effectiveness of the network consolidation effort.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in naval network architecture in Telecommunications.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Executive Gov.
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