Combating Terrorism Technology Support

The Combating Terrorism Technology Support (CTTS) program, managed by the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is a research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on rapidly addressing capability gaps in counterterrorism and irregular warfare. The program's overarching goal is to provide advanced, leap-ahead technologies that surpass those of current and potential adversaries, with a particular emphasis on countering threats posed by near-peer competitors such as China. CTTS supports U.S. special operations forces, other military operators, intelligence analysts, and first responders by delivering innovative solutions in areas such as lethal drone development, counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), subterranean detection, advanced body and vehicle armor, CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives) defense, covert communications, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance operational effectiveness.

The CTTS program is organized into eleven mission subgroups, each with specific objectives and project portfolios. The Advanced Analytics (AA) subgroup aims to develop integrated analytic capabilities for improved decision-making at all operational levels, focusing on trusted AI, autonomy, and interoperability with allies. Projects include AI-based cybersecurity tools, RF signal detection, and GIS-based terrain analytics. The Advanced Development (AD) subgroup is dedicated to enhancing cyber resilience, developing secure environments for testing, and providing technical cybersecurity support across IWTSD projects.

The Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) subgroup seeks to advance detection, protection, and mitigation technologies for CBRNE threats. Its objectives include developing portable detection devices, rapid decontamination systems, advanced protective equipment, and wearable sensors for hazardous environments. The Expeditionary Force Protection (EFP) subgroup focuses on force protection technologies for expeditionary and forward-deployed units. Projects address blast mitigation, subterranean operations, and maritime security, including joint RDT&E efforts with Israel on counter-tunnel and C-UAS capabilities.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal/Explosive Operations (EOD/EXO) subgroup delivers advanced tools and decision aids to defeat improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other threats, leveraging AI for threat recognition and providing virtual support capabilities. The Human Performance and Training (HPT) subgroup develops human-centered technologies and immersive training solutions to optimize operator performance and readiness, including virtual reality trainers and cognitive performance analytics. The Influence and Information Capabilities (I2C) subgroup advances information warfare tools, such as AI-enabled content generation and analysis platforms, to support psychological operations and influence campaigns.

The Innovation subgroup incubates emerging technologies of mutual interest to the U.S. and Israel, focusing on edge AI, advanced surveillance, and disruptive drone technologies. The Protection, Survivability, and Recovery (PSR) subgroup develops equipment and systems to enhance personnel and infrastructure protection, including advanced armor, C-UAS solutions, and tracking devices for denied environments. The Surveillance, Collection, and Operations Support (SCOS) subgroup addresses high-priority intelligence and operational requirements, developing advanced sensors, communication tools, and electronic warfare capabilities to support U.S. and allied operations.

The Tactical Offensive Support (TOS) subgroup is tasked with delivering rapid R&D projects to provide tactical teams with overmatch capabilities, such as next-generation weapons, unmanned systems, advanced optics, and loitering munitions. This subgroup emphasizes increasing lethality, improving detection and targeting, and integrating AI and autonomy into tactical systems. Across all subgroups, the CTTS program maintains strong partnerships with USSOCOM, the military services, and international allies, notably through joint RDT&E with Israel.

CTTS objectives are driven by the need to rapidly address evolving threats, fill critical capability gaps, and maintain technological superiority in irregular warfare and counterterrorism. The program's approach emphasizes rapid prototyping, operational testing, and transition to programs of record. Many projects benefit from Congressional adds and international cost-sharing. The FY 2026 budget reflects continued investment in these areas, with adjustments to align with departmental priorities and the evolving threat landscape.