SOF Technology Development

SOF Technology Development is a research and development initiative led by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). The program aims to conduct studies and develop laboratory prototypes for applied research and advanced technology development. By leveraging co-investments with the Department of Defense, other government agencies, and commercial organizations, USSOCOM seeks to influence the direction and schedule of technology developments, acquire disruptive solutions and emerging technologies for Special Operations Forces (SOF), and link technology opportunities with capability deficiencies. The investment strategy is aligned to establish future SOF capability in support of Joint Warfighting Concepts.

The program's objectives include exploiting and integrating emerging technologies to enable SOF to conduct assigned military responsibilities and expand in support of integrated deterrence. It focuses on next-generation effects, scalable or non-kinetic effects, commercial and government discoveries in data and analytics, future emplacement and access opportunities, sensor and sensor fusion technology, biotechnologies, human interface capabilities, combat medical equipment, secure communications, and more. The program also funds experimentation and concept development to equip the future SOF warfighter. Additionally, it plans to continue ongoing technology development projects in areas such as enabling power technologies, electromagnetic spectrum, data analytics, signature reduction technologies, high data-rate throughput, advances in lightweight materials, combat medical equipment, biotechnologies, tactics, human performance, sensors, information sources, processing improvements, human-machine interfaces and displays.