COUNTER-SMALL UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM (C-SUAS)

The Counter-Small Unmanned Aerial System (C-SUAS) program, under Army Line Item 0010I24000, is designed to address the growing threat posed by small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) to U.S. forces and Department of Defense (DoD) facilities. The program's primary objectives are to procure, train, and equip Army units with a layered defense construct against Groups 1 and 2 UAS threats. This approach utilizes a mix of electronic warfare, kinetic interceptors, fire control, and non-kinetic effectors. The initiative is part of the Army Transformation Initiative and supports Homeland Defense, aligning with Air and Missile Defense modernization priorities. Funding supports procurement quantities for both base and overseas contingency operations.

C-SUAS EFFECTOR focuses on the procurement of kinetic interceptors to provide self-protection for critical assets, facilities, and infrastructure, as well as to replace expended interceptors in support of ongoing operations. The program supports both Army batteries and deployed systems, ensuring rapid response to Joint Urgent Operational Needs. The contract for these interceptors is managed through an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) vehicle, with deliveries scheduled through 2029.

C-SUAS LAUNCHER supports the procurement of Expeditionary Launcher Systems to provide mobile and expeditionary kinetic capability for Army C-UAS batteries and deployed mobile systems. These launchers enhance the Army's ability to rapidly deploy counter-UAS capabilities in various operational environments. The procurement includes both expeditionary and mobile launcher systems, supporting the Army's agile portfolio management approach and ensuring flexibility in countering evolving UAS threats.

C-SUAS FIXED SITE funding is allocated to procure additional counter-UAS capabilities for Homeland and Specified Fixed Sites (HSFS). Objectives include upgrading current HSFS sites to a heavy configuration, mitigating obsolescence, providing sustainment spares, and supporting integrated logistics. This line item ensures that critical fixed locations are equipped with robust defenses against sUAS threats, supporting both Joint and Army-specific requirements for self-protection and infrastructure security.

C-SUAS OPERATIONS funding supports the procurement, integration, and fielding of expeditionary and mobile platforms, sensors, and handheld/dismounted C-sUAS capabilities. The goal is to enable self-protection for critical assets and infrastructure, support the Army Transformation Initiative, and procure Soldier Common C-sUAS handheld/dismounted systems. This funding also supports platform-agnostic equipment for Unit Common C-sUAS mobile solutions, ensuring adaptability across different operational scenarios.

C-SUAS GRND READINESS provides integrated logistics support (ILS) to sustain the Family of Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (FoCUS) procured in prior years. The objective is to maintain readiness and mitigate force protection capability gaps in countering UAS threats to personnel, facilities, and infrastructure, both within the continental United States (CONUS) and overseas (OCONUS). This funding supports ongoing sustainment and ensures that previously fielded systems remain operational and effective.

C-SUAS DIRECTED ENERGY is a new start for FY 2026, supporting the production of Enduring High Energy Laser (E-HEL) systems. These directed energy systems are intended to provide fixed site defense and integration onto Army platforms, capable of acquiring, tracking, identifying, and demonstrating lethality against Groups 1-3 UAS threats. The Directed Energy capability is a rapid prototyping effort managed by the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) and is interoperable with the Army's Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) system. The objective is to inform future Army capability requirements and potentially transition the capability to a formal acquisition program, supporting the Army's modernization and layered defense strategy against sUAS threats.