Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Agile Development

The Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Agile Development program, under Army Program Element PE 0609135A, is designed to advance the Army's capabilities to detect, track, and neutralize small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) threats. The budget request supports research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities that align with the Army Transformation Initiative and Homeland Defense priorities. This program is a continuation of previous efforts, administratively realigned from PE 0604741A/FG5, and is not a new start. The overarching goal is to deliver innovative, cross-domain solutions for countering Groups 1-3 UAS threats, supporting both Army and joint operational requirements.

Fixed/Mobile System Capabilities is a key line item within this program. The objective is to rapidly prototype components, conduct operational assessments, and integrate mature hardware into existing fixed and mobile C-sUAS platforms. This includes addressing obsolescence issues and improving system performance against current and near-term threats. Efforts also focus on increasing commonality among sensor variants and redesigning line replaceable units, such as the System Control Unit and Advanced Back-End Unit. Funding supports logistics demonstrations and biannual system-of-systems integration tests to facilitate the transition of mobile solutions to field-level sustainment.

Tech Refresh for Army JUON Efforts ensures deployed C-sUAS systems remain effective against evolving threats. The program funds technology refreshes, including fire control and sensor software updates, improved decision aids to reduce kill chain timelines, and enhancements to radar tracking and interceptor fire control. These upgrades are in direct response to Joint Urgent Operational Need (JUON) CC-0558, ensuring that fielded systems maintain operational relevance and effectiveness.

C-sUAS Capability Development Document (CDD) Pre-Planned Product Improvement (P3I) focuses on incremental improvements and prototyping of emerging technologies to address future threats. Objectives include upgrading data links, developing larger-capacity launchers, and enhancing fire control systems with automated decision aids and improved sensor integration. The program also funds a sensor competition for mobile radar systems to drive industry innovation and transitions radar arrays to more cost-effective, lightweight flat panel designs.

C-sUAS Emergent Requirements is the largest line item and supports the development, testing, and integration of next-generation capabilities such as the Next Generation C-sUAS Missile (NGCM), advanced electronic warfare (EW) solutions, kinetic and non-kinetic effectors, and both unit common mobile and soldier common handheld solutions. The objective is to accelerate the fielding of these emerging technologies to address rapidly evolving UAS threats and fill capability gaps identified in recent operational assessments.

The acquisition strategy for the Counter UAS program has transitioned from rapid interim capability deployment to a formalized approach, with five Acquisition Category (ACAT) III programs covering expeditionary/mobile platforms, sensors, effectors, and handheld/dismounted systems. Major end items, except handheld/dismounted systems, will be procured through Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) and Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contracts. Handheld systems will be sourced via the Defense Logistics Agency, Common Hardware Systems, Army Contracting Command, and U.S. Special Operations Command. This strategy is intended to ensure flexibility, rapid integration, and continuous improvement.