Counter - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Advanced Development

The Counter - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) Advanced Development program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 0604531A, is a Department of Defense (DoD) initiative led by the Secretary of the Army, who serves as the DoD Executive Agent for C-sUAS. The primary goal of this program is to lead, direct, and synchronize DoD efforts to counter the threats posed by small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), specifically Groups 1, 2, and 3 platforms. The program is structured to minimize duplication across the services, address joint requirements, and deliver integrated solutions for detection, tracking, identification, and defeat of hostile sUAS.

CQ5: C-sUAS Joint New Capabilities Development is a major line item within this program element. Its objective is to demonstrate and support the prototyping of new technologies and concepts that can be rapidly transitioned to acquisition programs. This project focuses on bridging technical gaps between initial technology development and fielded warfighter capabilities. Key activities include the development of prototypes for detection, tracking, identification, and defeat of sUAS, as well as enhancements to command and control systems. Efforts are guided by requirements identified in Joint Requirements Oversight Council Memorandums (JROCM) and prioritized by the DoD C-sUAS Executive Agent Governance.

Within CQ5, specific initiatives include the Collaborative Framework Environment, Command and Control Decision Aids (such as automation, autonomy, and human-machine teaming), and Joint Common Electronic Warfare capabilities. The program also supports the development of advanced kinetic defeat mechanisms, including the Next Generation C-sUAS Missile and the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System - Dual Mode. These efforts are designed to provide the warfighter with improved options for rapidly defeating a range of sUAS threats while informing future acquisition strategies.

CQ6: C-sUAS Joint Enabling Capabilities Development is the second major project under this program element. Its primary goal is to support the Joint C-sUAS Office (JCO) in developing materiel solutions that address joint capability gaps, support service program management offices, and reduce redundancy across the DoD. CQ6 activities include joint assessments and demonstrations of new C-sUAS technologies, operational assessments of prototypes in realistic environments, and industry demonstrations to explore new concepts and applications. These efforts are intended to inform future requirements and acquisition decisions for C-sUAS solutions.

A notable component of CQ6 is the execution of Joint Assessments and Demonstrations, which evaluate new technologies and concepts in operationally relevant environments. The results from these assessments are used to inform military services' acquisition decisions and to guide limited prototype procurements. Additionally, the JCO conducts regular industry demonstrations, focusing on prioritized capability gaps and accelerating the transition of promising industry solutions into DoD programs.

In FY 2025, CQ6 received additional Congressional support to accelerate the development of the Advanced Kinetic Defeat for the Next Generation C-sUAS Missile. This support enables rapid prototyping and testing of advanced defeat mechanisms, reflecting Congressional interest in maintaining technological superiority against evolving sUAS threats. The Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) provides acquisition support to the JCO, ensuring that enabling capability needs are addressed efficiently and that promising solutions are evaluated at common test ranges under realistic conditions.