Anti-Tamper Technology Support

The Anti-Tamper Technology Support program, designated as Program Element (PE) 0605024A, is a key Army initiative within the Department of Defense (DoD) Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget. Its primary objective is to prevent the exploitation and reverse engineering of U.S. military systems that may be lost, captured, or transferred through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) or Direct Commercial Sales (DCS). The program is managed by the Protective Technologies (PT) organization, which serves as the Army's Lead Technical Agent for anti-tamper (AT) activities. It is executed by the U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC) and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC) at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama.

The core goal of the Anti-Tamper Technology Support program is to develop, validate, and verify AT measures throughout the lifecycle of Army weapon systems. This includes research, development, implementation, and rigorous testing of AT technologies to protect critical program information (CPI) embedded in micro-electronic components and system architectures. By doing so, the Army aims to delay or prevent adversaries from exploiting sensitive technologies. This approach helps maintain a technological edge and safeguards national security interests.

A significant portion of the program's funding supports AT Validation and Verification (V&V) Activities. These activities involve independent technical evaluations of AT architectures within Army programs to ensure that implemented measures are effective against potential reverse engineering threats. The PT organization maintains a core team of subject matter experts (SMEs) who provide ongoing support for these evaluations. This ensures that Army systems are continuously assessed and improved as new threats and vulnerabilities emerge.

Another critical component is the investment in AT/RE Lab Facilities and Equipment. These state-of-the-art laboratories at Redstone Arsenal are equipped to conduct advanced reverse engineering (RE) assessments on micro-electronic components and system designs. The labs enable technical teams to identify vulnerabilities and test the robustness of AT measures under realistic threat scenarios. Maintaining and upgrading these facilities ensures that the Army retains the capability to evaluate and respond to evolving exploitation techniques.

The program also funds AT/RE Laboratory Assessments, which are structured evaluations of both the AT technologies themselves and the effectiveness of laboratory processes. These assessments provide critical feedback for continuous improvement, helping to identify gaps in protection and prioritize future research and development efforts. By systematically reviewing laboratory capabilities and outcomes, the Army ensures that its AT program remains aligned with operational needs and technological advancements.

The FY 2026 budget request for the Anti-Tamper Technology Support program reflects a reduction in funding compared to previous years. This is primarily due to workforce optimization and a decrease in advisory and assistance services contracts. The adjustment aligns with Executive Order 14222, which emphasizes government efficiency and cost savings. Despite the reduction, the program will continue to prioritize the maintenance of its core technical team and laboratory capabilities, focusing available resources on the most critical AT activities.