Advanced Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System

The Advanced Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System program, designated as Program Element (PE) 0304240M in the Department of the Navy's FY 2026 Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, is focused on developing, testing, and refining advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to support Marine Corps and Navy operational needs. The primary objective is to address requirements identified in the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Expeditionary (MUX) Family of Systems (FoS) Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) and subsequent requirements clarifications. This program supports the development of advanced payloads, system architectures, mission control capabilities, ground control stations, and interoperable networking and communications infrastructure. These efforts are intended to enhance unmanned multi-mission capabilities for Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO), Littoral Operations in Contested Environments (LOCE), and Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO).

Project 3135: USMC MUX is the core line item within PE 0304240M, dedicated to the development and integration of mission system payloads, software, and system upgrades for the MUX Family of Systems. The goals include hardware development for payload sensors, non-recurring engineering (NRE), capability integration studies, and design work. The project also funds programmatic engineering, logistics, and technical requirements generation for future MUX capabilities. Planned activities for FY 2025 and FY 2026 involve ongoing improvements to payload software and hardware, as well as testing to address evolving threats. The project leverages model-based systems engineering, simulation, and partnership with industry to mitigate technical risks and refine concepts of operations (CONOPS) for joint integration.

MUX Program Support provides essential government systems engineering, program management, logistics, and contractor RDT&E support. This line item enables model-based systems engineering simulations using industry and threat data, and supports system and payload architecture studies to inform future integration strategies. Additional tasks include trade studies, demonstrations, and market research to assess developing capabilities for integration on the MUX platform. The program aims to ensure that technical and operational requirements are effectively generated and managed, supporting the advancement of the MUX Family of Systems.

Project 9999: Congressional Adds encompasses targeted funding for initiatives such as the Mobile Unmanned/Manned Distributed Lethality Airborne Network (MUDLAN). The MUDLAN project is focused on developing, testing, and experimenting with high-bandwidth, adaptable, resilient, and protected communications systems to support both unmanned and manned operations in distributed maritime environments. The objective is to connect and distribute data across multiple users and domains, enhancing tactical edge situational awareness through a unified network architecture. Activities included non-recurring engineering, integration, surrogate and UAS testing, and certification of advanced network gateway and SATCOM technologies, as well as demonstrations of secure tactical data links and electronic warfare (EW) and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) payloads.

The MUDLAN Communications Equipment and Demonstrations line item funded the development and demonstration of communications equipment to support distributed lethality and networked operations. This included the integration of advanced technology insertion research programs, such as the Marine Air Ground Task Force Agile Network Gateway Link (MANGL) and MATI systems, with a focus on low probability intercept/detection and multi-domain, multi-user exercises. The MQ-9 Multi-mode Radar Pod was also funded to enhance sensor capabilities for future unmanned platforms. These efforts are intended to reduce risk and inform future acquisition strategies for fleet integration once technologies reach sufficient maturity.

The acquisition strategy for both the MUX and MUDLAN efforts leverages a combination of organic government resources, competitive and sole-source contract awards, and rapid acquisition approaches. The programs utilize partnerships with academia, small and large businesses, and other government agencies to advance technology development and risk reduction. Transition plans are designed to move matured hardware and validated joint service requirements into follow-on fleet integration and acquisition phases. Adjustments in the FY 2026 budget reflect ongoing efforts to optimize workforce and advisory services in alignment with executive orders focused on government efficiency and cost optimization.