ONR said the new strategy responds to heightened strategic competition, rapid technological change and an evolving battlespace. It calls for a fundamental shift in how the organization prioritizes, develops and deploys technology for naval forces.
“In this important moment in time, we have embarked on a journey to refine how we do every part of our business — to make transparent what we are solving for, what bets we will place across our portfolio, and how we will measure whether and how they have paid off,” said Chief of Naval Research Dr. Rachel Riley.
The strategy says ONR must make disciplined choices amid uncertainty in both science and technology and the operational environment. It also says the organization must balance urgent demands from current conflicts with long-term work on inventions that could change future naval operations.
ONR identified several factors shaping that mission, including the accelerating speed and complexity of technological change and the evolving character of conflict. It also cited intensified strategic competition, increased global investment in defense innovation, barriers to technology transition and the need to balance near-term and long-term priorities.
The strategy is built around a research and delivery framework called “FEED at Speed.” ONR said the approach is intended to help the organization focus resources, explain naval value, engage the wider defense ecosystem, deploy useful capabilities and accelerate the pace of discovery and fielding.
Under the “Focus” element, ONR plans to concentrate science and technology investments on “Only ONR” problems. These are described as highly transformational, naval-unique challenges unlikely to be solved by the commercial market.
That focus will require ONR to assess programs rigorously and divest from work that does not align with the principle. The strategy also establishes science and technology focus areas to guide longer-term investment.
The “Explain” element is intended to make the naval relevance and value of ONR programs clearer to stakeholders. The strategy says every program must have a credible transition path and a clear link to its effect on the naval mission.
The “Engage” element focuses on synchronizing work across the defense ecosystem, including acquisition executives, operational commanders, industry and academia. ONR said the goal is to break down institutional silos and move technologies across the “Valley of Death” between prototyping and full-scale deployment.
The “Deploy” element shifts attention toward measurable outcomes rather than prototypes alone. ONR said success will be defined by tangible competitive advantages and fielded capabilities delivered to Fleet and Force operators.
The “Speed” element calls for the use of artificial intelligence to accelerate scientific discovery, compress research timelines and solve complex problems. ONR said this effort is intended to outpace adversaries in invention and fielding while maintaining validation and ethical oversight frameworks.
“This S&T Strategy represents a commitment to discipline, focus and a renewed sense of urgency,” said Riley. “By adhering to the principles outlined in the strategy, ONR will continue to fulfill its vital mission and ensure the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps remain the world’s most formidable naval force — today and for generations to come.”
The strategy places technology transition and operational relevance at the center of ONR’s research model. It signals a push to move promising science more quickly from laboratories into practical use by sailors and Marines.
