Army Advanced Technology Development

The Army Advanced Technology Development program, designated as Program Element (PE) 0603117A, is a key line item within the Army's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget. This program is focused on the advanced technology development phase, which bridges the gap between basic research and full-scale system development. The primary goal is to mature promising technologies by developing subsystems and components, integrating them into system prototypes, and conducting field experiments or tests in simulated environments. These activities are critical for demonstrating technological feasibility and assessing the operability of new capabilities before they transition to full system development.

The objectives of the program include the creation and refinement of advanced subsystems and components that have the potential to enhance Army operational effectiveness. This involves rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure that new technologies meet performance requirements and can be reliably integrated into larger systems. The program also supports the development of prototypes, which are used in field experiments to validate concepts and identify potential improvements. By focusing on subsystem and component integration, the program aims to reduce technical risk and provide a solid foundation for subsequent acquisition and deployment efforts.

A key justification for this budget line is the need to maintain technological superiority and readiness in the face of evolving threats and operational challenges. The Army relies on advanced technology development to address capability gaps identified through operational analysis and feedback from field units. By investing in this phase of the RDT&E process, the Army can ensure that emerging technologies are sufficiently mature and proven before committing to full-scale production and fielding. This approach helps to minimize the risk of costly failures and ensures that new capabilities are both effective and reliable.

The program is managed by various Army research and development agencies, including the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and the Army Futures Command. These organizations collaborate with other Department of Defense (DoD) entities, industry partners, and academic institutions to leverage expertise and resources. The program supports a wide range of technology areas, including sensors, communications, weapons, mobility systems, and survivability enhancements. Each project within the program is selected based on its potential to address high-priority Army needs and its likelihood of successful transition to operational use.

For Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, the program received funding that reflects a modest increase from the previous budget cycle due to reprogrammings. This funding supports ongoing and new efforts to develop and integrate advanced technologies. The budget item justification notes that there were no congressional general reductions, directed reductions, rescissions, or adds for this line, indicating stable support for the program's objectives. The reprogramming adjustment underscores the Army's commitment to prioritizing advanced technology development in response to evolving requirements.

Within the program, individual projects may focus on specific technology domains. Some efforts may be directed toward improving soldier protection through advanced armor materials, while others may target enhanced situational awareness via next-generation sensors and data fusion techniques. Additional projects could involve the development of autonomous systems, energy-efficient power sources, or resilient communications networks. Each project is managed to ensure alignment with Army modernization priorities and to maximize the potential for successful transition to acquisition programs.