Counter - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Sys Dev & Demonstration

The Counter - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems System Development & Demonstration (PE 0605531A) program is a Department of Defense (DoD) Army-led initiative focused on the research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) of technologies to counter small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) threats. As the DoD Executive Agent for Counter-sUAS, the Secretary of the Army is responsible for leading and synchronizing efforts across the military services to address the growing risks posed by Groups 1, 2, and 3 sUAS platforms. The program's primary objective is to provide warfighters with integrated capabilities to detect, track, identify, and defeat hostile sUAS, while minimizing duplication and redundancy across the DoD.

CQ7: C-sUAS Joint New Capabilities is the principal line item within this program element, focusing on developing new technologies and materiel solutions to counter sUAS threats. The goals of this project are guided by Joint Requirements Oversight Council Memorandum (JROCM) 058-23, which identifies operational requirements for fixed, semi-fixed, mobile, and dismounted counter-sUAS systems. Specific objectives include the development, integration, and testing of advanced detection, identification, and tracking technologies, as well as new defeat mechanisms such as kinetic interceptors and next-generation counter-UAS missiles. These efforts are designed to mature technologies for transition into fieldable capabilities that can be rapidly deployed by the services.

Within CQ7, the Advanced Kinetic Defeat subproject is a major focus area, aiming to improve the efficacy of kinetic solutions against Group 3 sUAS threats. The objectives include developing advanced sensor packages, integrating major system components, and conducting early demonstration and operational test events. The program is advancing the Next Generation C-sUAS Missile, with the goal of increasing the probability of defeat against more capable and emerging sUAS threats. The timeline for these efforts includes prototype development, system integration, and operational assessments through FY2028.

Another key component of CQ7 is Advanced Command and Control (C2) development. This effort seeks to reduce operator burden, enhance situational awareness, automate decision-making, and improve interoperability among C-sUAS systems. The program is integrating new capabilities into the joint Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAADC2) system, such as the Road Runner Kinetic Interceptor and the Containerized Weapon System-Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System (CWS-A). Planned activities include software deployment, record testing, and the addition of Man-Machine Integration capabilities to FAADC2, supporting more effective and efficient C-sUAS operations.

CQ8: C-sUAS Joint Enabling Capabilities is the second major line item, supporting the development of foundational tools and data infrastructure for C-sUAS operations. The primary objective is the creation of a Common Data Repository, a joint, multi-classification platform that aggregates intelligence, commercial, and service-developed data on sUAS threats. This repository is intended to support both acquisition and operational systems by providing centralized management of threat profiles and recommended countermeasures, leveraging advanced analytics for detection, tracking, identification, and defeat.

CQ8 also includes the development of the Joint Virtual Reality Trainer and the Electro-Optical/Infrared Imagery Database. The Joint Virtual Reality Trainer is designed to enhance operator training and readiness by integrating C-sUAS scenarios into immersive environments, such as the Joint Counter-sUAS University. The imagery database supports the development and refinement of detection algorithms and system performance by providing a comprehensive library of relevant sensor data. These enabling capabilities are intended to ensure consistency across the services, eliminate redundant efforts, and facilitate collaboration in the rapidly evolving C-sUAS mission area.