Aegis Combat System

Definition

The Aegis Combat System is an integrated naval combat and command-and-control system that provides U.S. Navy surface ships with comprehensive defense against a wide spectrum of threats, including aircraft, missiles, surface vessels, submarines, and ballistic missiles. Rather than operating as a single weapon, Aegis functions as a unifying framework that fuses advanced radar, sensors, computing systems, and multiple weapon platforms into a coordinated, automated whole. This integration allows ships to rapidly detect, track, prioritize, and engage multiple threats simultaneously, often within seconds, significantly reducing reliance on manual intervention. Serving as the primary protective layer for carrier strike groups and other high-value naval assets, Aegis enables the Navy to operate effectively and project power in increasingly complex and contested maritime environments.