GlobalX Challenge 26.1: AI-Native Air Interface for Tactical Communication Networks

The Office of Naval Research is soliciting applications for the GlobalX Challenge 26.1 to fund AI-Native Air Interface systems for tactical communication networks, with a proposal due date of August 31, 2026; this opportunity requires the lead Principal Investigator's organization to be non-U.S.-based, though U.S.-based entities may participate as team members.

Eligible applicants are non-U.S.-based research entities from academia, industry, or the scientific community in the Indian subcontinent, with U.S.-based non-federal organizations permitted as secondary participants in multi-national teams. No cost share is required. Awards total up to $500,000 per project, structured as a twelve-month base period of up to $250,000 with an optional twelve-month extension of up to $250,000. ONR expects to make one or multiple awards.

The challenge requires development of an AI system that dynamically optimizes networking protocols and signal modulation schemes for tactical communications in contested, interference-laden environments across air, surface, and subsurface domains. Proposed solutions must address adaptive networking, flexible physical layer capabilities, integrated sensing and communications, electromagnetic signature minimization, RF interference detection and mitigation, spoofing detection, and semantic communications. Concepts must demonstrate revolutionary capability advancements rather than evolutionary improvements.

Success metrics include network availability, reachability percentages, end-to-end delay minimization, multi-target tracking accuracy, and probability of detection by adversarial systems. Evaluation criteria encompass scientific and technical merit, naval relevance, investigator qualifications, institutional capabilities, and cost realism.

White papers (five pages, 12-point Times New Roman, plus one quad chart page) are due July 10, 2026, submitted to usn.ncr.onrghq.list.grantsproposals@us.navy.mil. Full proposals are due August 31, 2026, via www.grants.gov under BAA N0001425SB001, Call N0001426SBC03. The challenge includes a proposal pitch day on August 7, 2026. Anticipated grant awards occur by September 30, 2026. This opportunity operates under CFDA 12.300 (Basic and Applied Scientific Research).