Counter Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-SUAS) Advanced Technology

The Counter Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-SUAS) Advanced Technology program, designated as Program Element (PE) 0603135A, is a research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative managed by the U.S. Army. Its primary objective is to develop, mature, and demonstrate advanced technologies that enhance the Army's ability to detect, track, identify, mitigate, and defeat small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), specifically those categorized as Groups 1-3. The program supports the Army modernization strategy and aligns with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering's priority focus areas, emphasizing innovation and rapid technology deployment.

A central goal of this program is to advance detection capabilities using multiple sensor modalities, including radar, radio frequency (RF), electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR), and acoustic signatures. By improving detection and tracking, the Army seeks to achieve better airspace situational awareness and the ability to predict UAS flight paths and locate UAS operators. These enhancements are intended to increase force protection and the effectiveness of defeat mechanisms against hostile sUAS.

The program also focuses on maturing identification methods that can discern aerial systems and their payloads. This includes developing and demonstrating algorithms for threat prioritization, airspace control, coordinated response, and resource management. Such capabilities are essential for managing complex airspace environments and responding effectively to multiple simultaneous sUAS threats.

The primary project within this program element for FY 2026 aims to mature and demonstrate interceptor technologies that deliver physical effects, such as faster intercepts, greater standoff ranges, increased magazine depth, improved survivability, and reduced size, weight, and power requirements. The work is executed by the Army's Aviation & Missile Center (AvMC) and Armaments Center (AC), leveraging their expertise in armaments and missile systems.

A key effort under this project is focused on developing integrated, networked armament systems and techniques for detecting, tracking, identifying, and defeating swarming unmanned systems. This includes a combined arms approach, integrating weapons, munitions, fire control, and countermeasure technologies to create a layered defense and system-of-systems capability across distributed Army platforms. The program will mature solutions for counter-swarming, improve kinetic weapon and munition systems, and enhance targeting and countermeasure performance.

Another significant effort within the program focuses on maturing concepts and component technologies to increase the range, reduce reaction time, and improve the lethality and reliability of kinetic interceptor capabilities. The work includes designing and developing missile prototypes, advancing airframe, propulsion, seeker, and guidance components, and integrating industry partner designs into modeling, simulation, and hardware-in-the-loop testing. The goal is to support both fixed site and mobile C-sUAS configurations for maneuver forces.

Both major efforts within PE 0603135A are part of the Department of Defense Capability Based (Agile) Funding pilot, which aims to accelerate the deployment of promising technologies by fostering innovation and flexibility in funding. The FY 2026 funding increase reflects a realignment from the Air and Missile Defense Advanced Technology program, indicating a strategic shift to prioritize counter-sUAS capabilities. The program is designed to address emerging threats posed by small unmanned aerial systems through targeted research and advanced technology development.