Applied Research for the Advancement of S&T Priorities

The Applied Research for the Advancement of Science and Technology (S&T) Priorities (ARAP) Program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is designed to directly support the Interim National Defense Strategy by aligning with Department of Defense (DoD) critical science and technology priorities. The program's overarching goal is to strengthen broadly applicable technical capabilities and foster emerging technologies within DoD laboratories, thereby enhancing warfighter advantages. ARAP funds foundational enabling technologies that facilitate the design, development, and transition of early-stage technologies and novel ideas into solutions for critical military needs, such as advanced sensors, precision weaponry, and improved communication systems.

A key objective of the ARAP Program is to ensure the continuous infusion of new technology into military systems, maintaining a decisive edge and adaptability for U.S. forces in rapidly changing operational environments. The program also emphasizes collaboration and partnership among science and engineering teams across the DoD enterprise. It supports the recruitment of top national talent from universities and strengthens in-house research capabilities. By accelerating the delivery of advanced capabilities, ARAP contributes to the readiness and effectiveness of the warfighter.

Reliance 21 Collaborative Framework is a central component of ARAP, providing strategic planning and oversight through the DoD Science & Technology (S&T) Executive Committee (EXCOM). This committee, composed of senior-level executives from across the Department, ensures coordinated resource allocation and proactively addresses emerging challenges. The EXCOM selects and funds multi-year, multi-Service applied research projects to address evolving battlefield threats and enhance decision-making speed.

Science & Technology (S&T) Communities of Interest (COIs) play a vital role in guiding ARAP investments. There are 16 COIs covering areas such as advanced materials, cyber warfare, biomedical and biotech, energy and power, warfighter and space platforms, and more. These communities develop detailed technology roadmaps, assess capability gaps, and coordinate research efforts to ensure resources are directed toward the most promising and impactful areas. Funding is provided to support COI activities, including the refreshment of integrated technology roadmaps and limited technology trade studies.

ARAP Project Investment Areas include three main categories: three-year, multi-Service applied research projects selected by the S&T EXCOM; two-year, multi-discipline technology projects nominated by COI Leaders to address technology gaps or opportunities; and technology assessment and study support for the COIs. Ongoing projects include Advanced Power Electronics and Extreme-Radio Frequency (APEX), which develops robust, solid-state, high-power RF device technology, and Classical-quantum Hybrid constructs to Advance Weapons Systems (CLAWS), which explores novel phenomena in materials to enable disruptive capabilities in infrared imaging, positioning, navigation, and timing.

For FY 2026, sustained funding is prioritized for four ongoing ARAP projects, selected for their direct impact on closing key technological gaps. These projects address areas such as high-temperature materials, guidance and control systems, hypersonic propulsion, and quantum hybrid constructs. The Hypersonic Infrared Target Sensing (HITS) project aims to develop transformational sensing solutions for hypersonic interceptors. Additionally, ARAP supports the Emerging Research Opportunities (EROs) initiative, which identifies specific technology gaps and forms multi-service laboratory teams to address them within 12 24 months, fostering collaborative research and increasing technology maturity.