Exploitation of Foreign Items

The Exploitation of Foreign Items program, outlined in Program Element (PE) 0605709A within the Army's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Management Support budget, is designed to support the acquisition, exploitation, and inventory of foreign ground materiel that may pose advanced technology threats to U.S. military systems. The goal of this program is to enhance the Army's research and development activities by reducing uncertainties associated with emerging and destructive threats, including cyber vulnerabilities and biometric systems. By systematically acquiring and analyzing foreign materiel, the program aims to inform force and materiel development, enabling the Army to stay ahead of potential adversaries.

A key objective of the program is to address scientific and technical intelligence requirements. This is achieved by providing U.S. agencies with access to foreign materiel for realistic testing and training, which is essential for developing effective countermeasures against threat systems and technologies. The program also supports the development of force protection measures by rapidly exploiting captured threat materiel, ensuring that U.S. forces are equipped to respond to evolving challenges on the battlefield.

The program operates under the guidance of the Army Foreign Materiel Program (FMP) Plan, with prioritization and approval provided by the Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (G2). This ensures that acquisition and exploitation activities are aligned with broader Army intelligence and operational priorities. Activities are coordinated to maximize the efficiency of research and development efforts, with a focus on acquiring foreign ground materiel systems and state-of-the-art technologies that are of military significance.

Within this program element, the primary budget line funds the acquisition and exploitation of foreign ground materiel, enabling the Army to inventory and analyze items that may present advanced technological threats. Objectives include conducting foreign materiel acquisition of threat-related systems, supporting technical intelligence analysis, and providing materiel for testing and training purposes. The exploitation process is designed to yield actionable insights that inform the development of countermeasures and enhance force protection capabilities.

For Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026, the program plans to continue its focus on acquiring threat-related foreign ground materiel systems and advanced technologies. Operations have increased the amount of captured threat materiel requiring immediate exploitation, underscoring the importance of timely analysis and response. The program is structured to adapt to changing operational environments and emerging threats, with funding adjustments reflecting revised economic assumptions and operational needs.

The program does not include procurement of RDT&E articles or a separate acquisition strategy, as its primary emphasis is on research, technical analysis, and support for countermeasure development. Accomplishments and planned activities are centered on acquiring and exploiting foreign materiel to support Army research, training, and operational readiness. By maintaining a robust capability to analyze foreign technologies, the program contributes to the Army's ability to anticipate and mitigate potential threats.