Common Remotely Operated Weapons Station

The Common Remotely Operated Weapons Station (CROWS) program is a key Army initiative detailed under budget line item 8310G04700. This program directly supports the Army's modernization priorities, specifically the objective to Build a More Lethal Force as outlined in the National Defense Strategy (NDS). The main goal of the CROWS program is to enhance joint lethality in contested environments by minimizing the erosion of close combat capabilities relative to peer competitors, particularly in complex terrain. The program is managed by the U.S. Army and is funded under the Procurement of Weapons & Tracked Combat Vehicles (W&TCV) appropriation.

The M153 Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) is an integrated system designed to remotely operate all standard U.S. Army machine guns, including the M2 Heavy Barrel Machine Gun, MK-19 Grenade Machine Gun, M240B/L Medium Machine Guns, and the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. The system also supports increased lethality solutions, such as integration with the Javelin anti-tank missile, and can be mounted on a wide range of vehicles from the Up-Armored High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) to the M1A2 Main Battle Tank.

The specific objectives of the CROWS program include providing soldiers with the ability to operate weapons from under armor, thereby increasing crew protection and survivability. The system features a three-axis stabilized mount, a sensor suite with fire control software, and a vehicle integration kit. These components allow for accurate targeting and firing while the vehicle is in motion, and under various visibility conditions, using both day and thermal cameras. The inclusion of a laser range finder further enhances the system's targeting accuracy.

Another key objective is to enable the Army to conduct missions in environments with limited visibility or high threat levels, without exposing personnel to direct enemy fire. The CROWS system allows the gunner to manipulate the sight and weapon using a hand controller and flat panel display from within the safety of the vehicle's armor. This capability is particularly important for operations in urban or complex terrains where threats can emerge from multiple directions.

From a procurement perspective, the CROWS program is justified by its ability to support both active and reserve components of the Armed Forces. It is also aligned with statutory requirements, specifically Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Act (P.L.110-181), which mandates the provision of such equipment for homeland defense missions, domestic emergency responses, and military support to civil authorities. This broad applicability underscores the system's importance beyond traditional combat roles.

For Fiscal Year 2026, there is no new budget request for this line item, indicating that the program may be in a sustainment or transition phase, or that sufficient quantities have been procured in prior years. The FY 2024 and FY 2025 funding supported ongoing procurement and fielding of CROWS units. Historical investment in this program reflects its significance within the Army's broader modernization and force protection strategies.