Navy Overhauls Acquisition Process with PAE Model

The US Navy has announced plans to establish five new portfolio acquisition executives (PAEs) as part of a comprehensive acquisition reform initiative. The first PAE for Robotics and Autonomous Systems was established in December, and the service is now standing up additional organizations for Maritime, Undersea, Industrial Operations, Strategic Systems Programs, and Marine Corps. This restructuring aims to instill the PAE model as the ’new operational standard’ for the acquisition enterprise, according to Breaking Defense. The Navy’s efforts are in accordance with the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which included language to establish PAEs as a way to consolidate management of weapons programs.