Department of Defense (DoD) Unmanned System Common Development

The Department of Defense (DoD) Unmanned Systems Common Development Program is managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and is funded under Program Element (PE) 0604400D8Z. The program's overarching goal is to advance unmanned systems capabilities for all Military Services by developing common technologies, standards, concepts, and guidance applicable across the DoD. The initial focus is on Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), with long-term objectives to support unmanned systems of varying sizes and modalities. The program is structured to ensure that unmanned systems and components available for DoD procurement are safe, secure, interoperable, and effective for modern battlefield and civilian operations.

Unmanned Systems Development is a key line item, with FY 2026 funding supporting the identification and mitigation of cyber and operational security threats related to unmanned systems. Specific objectives include developing standards, concepts, and guidance for procurement and operation, facilitating the acquisition of commercially developed unmanned systems from trusted supply chains, and integrating cybersecurity policies into system architectures. Recent accomplishments include the expansion of the Blue UAS Cleared List and Component List, sustainment of vetted platforms, and streamlining policy for commercial UAS approval. Planned activities for FY 2026 focus on penetration testing, cybersecurity assessments, and updating strategy documents in collaboration with Joint stakeholders.

Unmanned Systems Integration addresses the safe and effective integration of unmanned systems into both military and civilian airspace. FY 2026 objectives include developing prototype systems and concepts to support DoD UAS integration, with a particular emphasis on airspace access and integration technologies such as the UAS Drone Zone, Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC), and UAS Traffic Management (UTM). The long-term goal is to enable routine, safe, and secure beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations for DoD UAS in various airspace environments. The project also involves joint demonstration events with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to inform system certification standards and the development of procedures for integrating Group 3-5 UAS.

Unmanned Systems Integration Support focuses on establishing and overseeing coordination, agreements, guidance, and standards necessary for the operation of unmanned systems in military and civilian environments. This includes leading Joint and Interagency forums to prioritize and execute tasks that address challenges in development, fielding, and operation. FY 2026 activities include supporting objectives of key DoD acquisition and sustainment offices, serving as co-chair for multiple interagency committees, overseeing cybersecurity exception and waiver processes, and guiding the development of DoD's Blue Small UAS and Blue Architecture programs. The project also supports interagency coordination and administrative functions for the common development program.

Congressional adds in FY 2024 and FY 2025 provided targeted funding to accelerate development, demonstration, and assessment of technologies for responsive, precise, and efficient military cargo transport via uncrewed platforms. These efforts included partnerships with entities such as the Northern Plains UAS Test Site, NASA, the MITRE Corporation, and the Air Force Research Laboratory. The funding enabled simulated and live flight operations for UAS-supported cargo delivery, development of airspace operations concept documents, and alignment of DoD UAS airspace integration RDT&E efforts.

Across all three projects, the program emphasizes collaboration with federal partners, including the FAA, to shape the development of UAS airspace access, integration technologies, and rulemaking. The integration support line specifically underpins the synchronization of federal efforts through participation in the UAS Executive Committee, Science and Research Panel, and other interagency bodies. The program also prioritizes the development and validation of standards, procedures, and policies to ensure unmanned systems are cyber-secure, interoperable, and capable of supporting future operational demands, including autonomous and AI-enabled capabilities.