Counter Improvised-Threat Demonstration, Prototype Development, and Testing

The Counter Improvised-Threat Demonstration, Prototype Development, and Testing program (PE 0604134A) is a research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative managed by the Army under Budget Activity 4: Advanced Component Development & Prototypes. The primary goal of this program is to mature and demonstrate technologies that enhance the detection, identification, and neutralization of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other improvised threats. The program aims to increase the ability of deployed forces to identify IEDs with minimal false alarms, accelerate route clearance and maneuver operations, and mitigate the effects of IEDs with minimal collateral damage. Coordination is maintained with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD/R&E) and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). Execution is overseen by the Army's C5ISR Center and the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology.

The Anti-Armor IED Detection Technology Demonstration focuses on developing and demonstrating high-resolution electro-optical/infrared and other sensor technologies to detect anti-armor IEDs before detonation. The objective is to identify the location and characteristics of IED components, enabling forces to avoid or neutralize threats more effectively. This effort is managed by DEVCOM C5ISR at Ft. Belvoir, VA, and has completed its planned activities by FY 2024, with no further funding allocated in FY 2025 or FY 2026.

The Teamed IED Detection Technology Demonstration advances the teaming of small unmanned aerial and ground systems to cooperatively detect IED emplacements and indicators. The goal is to optimize unmanned system teaming, leveraging multiple platforms and sensor modalities to improve detection confidence and reduce false alarms. Demonstrations in FY 2025 and FY 2026 will focus on standoff detection in cluttered environments, data fusion techniques, and integration challenges. This line item sees a reduction in funding in FY 2026 as the effort transitions toward completion.

The IED Detection Evaluation in Varied Environments is designed to assess the performance of mature IED detection systems across diverse operational settings, including temperate, jungle, and tropical environments. The objective is to ensure that detection capabilities remain effective under different environmental conditions by evaluating multiple sensor modalities such as electro-optical, infrared, radio frequency, and electromagnetic induction. This evaluation is conducted by the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) in Adelphi, MD, with funding in FY 2026 focused on a reduced scope of technologies.

The Maneuver IED Detection and Mitigation Technology Demonstration addresses the challenges of detecting and mitigating hidden IEDs in battlefield environments, particularly anti-armor threats. The program integrates detection and neutralization technologies onto manned and unmanned platforms, evaluating emerging techniques such as electromagnetic, optical, millimeter wave, nuclear quadrupole resonance, and harmonic sensors. Demonstrations assess performance in complex electromagnetic environments. Funding in FY 2026 reflects a transition of technologies to support maneuver operations.

The Neutralization and Mitigation Technology Evaluation in Varied Environments aims to mature and automate technologies capable of neutralizing IEDs with complex emplacements and configurations. The focus is on optimizing neutralization capabilities in diverse and contested operational scenarios, including the use of electromagnetic pre-triggering, kinetic devices, remotely operated manipulation, and precision placement technologies. Increased funding in FY 2026 supports the planned lifecycle of this effort, enabling comprehensive evaluation of neutralization technologies.

The Counter Improvised-Threat Demonstration, Prototype Development, and Testing program supports rapid development and delivery of advanced counter-IED capabilities for integration onto existing Department of Defense weapon systems. The acquisition strategy involves coordination with USD(R&E), DTRA, and other Services, utilizing Army and Service laboratories as well as industry partners for technology demonstrations. Recent funding adjustments reflect a reduction in the scope of certain technology evaluations and a transition of efforts to promote efficiency and workforce optimization in line with current administration policies.