Expanded Mission Area Missile (EMAM)

The Expanded Mission Area Missile (EMAM) program, as outlined in Army Program Element 0604019A, is a critical component of the Army's Air and Missile Defense (AMD) modernization strategy. The program is structured under the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) appropriation, specifically within Advanced Component Development & Prototypes (ACD&P). EMAM's overarching objective is to enhance the Army's Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) architecture by providing advanced directed energy and kinetic systems to counter a broad spectrum of aerial threats, including cruise missiles (CM), unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), rocket, artillery, and mortar (RAM) attacks, as well as fixed and rotary wing aircraft. The budget request supports several key projects: the Joint Laser Weapon System - Army (JLWS-A), Integrated Fires Protection Capability High Energy Laser (IFPC-HEL), Integrated Fires Protection Capability High Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM), and the Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon System (MDACS).

The Joint Laser Weapon System - Army (JLWS-A) is a collaborative Army-Navy initiative focused on developing a high energy laser (HEL) system for air defense, with particular emphasis on countering cruise missile threats. While funding for JLWS-A does not begin until after FY 2026, the groundwork is being established through risk reduction, technology transfer, and program management activities. JLWS-A is envisioned as the next evolutionary step in laser-based counter-cruise missile capabilities, supporting the Department of Defense's broader Golden Dome for America strategy for homeland missile defense.

The IFPC High Energy Laser (IFPC-HEL) is a ground-based directed energy weapon system designed to acquire, track, engage, and defeat a variety of threats, including CM, UAS, RAM, FW, and RW targets. The primary objective for FY 2026 is to finalize prototype testing and integration, deliver a residual combat-capable system to the Army, and initiate contractor logistics support (CLS). The IFPC-HEL system is modular, integrating a high energy laser subsystem, power and thermal management, and beam control, all managed via battle management command, control, and communication (BMC3) software. The program emphasizes continuous soldier integration to ensure the system meets operational requirements and is positioned for potential transition to a formal acquisition program.

The IFPC High Power Microwave (IFPC-HPM) focuses on providing a ground-based system capable of defending against single and swarming UAS threats using high power microwave technology. The FY 2026 objectives include the evaluation and demonstration of up to two Generation 2 prototypes, continued operational assessment, and ongoing contractor logistics support. IFPC-HPM leverages lessons learned from earlier prototypes and is interoperable with joint counter-UAS efforts, aiming to rapidly mature and field a system that can be transported and deployed by brigade combat teams. The acquisition strategy relies on streamlined prototyping agreements to accelerate fielding and integration.

The Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon System (MDACS) is a rapid prototyping effort to develop a cannon-based air and missile defense system that complements existing AMD assets. MDACS is designed to defend fixed and semi-fixed sites against CM, UAS, and advanced threats, providing a high rate of fire and deep magazine to address raid scenarios. The system integrates multiple components: automated 155mm cannons, multifunction precision radars, battle management centers, hypervelocity projectiles, and ammunition handling vehicles. FY 2026 activities focus on re-baselining designs to meet Army-specific requirements, completing prototype fabrication, integrating subsystems, and initiating developmental and safety testing. MDACS is aligned with the Army's open systems architecture and will be integrated with the IAMD Battle Command System (IBCS).

The EMAM program's goals are driven by the evolving threat landscape, where adversaries increasingly employ advanced missile, drone, and artillery systems capable of targeting U.S. and allied forces. By investing in both directed energy (laser and microwave) and kinetic solutions, the Army aims to provide layered, cost-effective, and flexible defense options. The program also seeks to maximize interoperability with joint and allied systems, leverage prior investments, and ensure rapid transition from prototype to operational capability.

Acquisition strategies across EMAM projects emphasize rapid prototyping, continuous soldier feedback, and streamlined contracting mechanisms such as Other Transaction Authority for Prototyping (OTAP). This approach is intended to accelerate the delivery of advanced capabilities to the field, inform future acquisition decisions, and support the Army's modernization priorities. The program's structure also ensures that product support and sustainment planning are integrated from the outset, with a focus on maintaining operational readiness and adaptability as threats continue to evolve.