FAMILY OF LOW ALTITUDE UNMANNED SYSTEMS

The Family of Low Altitude Unmanned Systems program is a key Army initiative under the Missile Procurement appropriation, focused on enhancing the lethality and effectiveness of Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs) through the acquisition of advanced, semi-autonomous unmanned aerial systems. This budget line supports the procurement of systems designed to deliver precision strike capabilities against a range of targets, including dismounted enemy formations, armored vehicles, and tanks, particularly in complex and contested environments.

The primary objective of the program is to provide IBCTs with an organic, proportional, and rapidly deployable capability to engage and destroy high-value targets at extended ranges. These systems are intended to fill a critical gap in the Army's current arsenal, offering immediate, long-range, and direct fire effects with minimal collateral damage. The program emphasizes the need for man-portable, lightweight solutions that can be operated by soldiers in the field. This increases operational flexibility and survivability.

The principal effort within this line item is the Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) project. LASSO is a day/night capable, unmanned aerial anti-tank weapon that features a human-in-the-loop control system. It consists of an All-Up Round (AUR) for launch and delivery, as well as a Fire Control System (FCS) that includes a Fire Control Unit (FCU), ground data link/terminal, and ancillary equipment.

The system is designed to operate at extended ranges, enabling soldiers to conduct multiple orbits and engage targets beyond the reach of traditional crew-served and small arms weapons. LASSO is specifically optimized to defeat tanks and other armored threats with precision, while also providing the capability to abort missions in dynamic situations, such as when non-combatants are present. This feature distinguishes LASSO from conventional munitions, allowing for more discriminate targeting and reduced risk of unintended damage.

The program's future increments aim to extend operational range, enhance lethality, and introduce advanced payload options for engaging personnel and hardened sites. Funding for Fiscal Year 2026 supports the procurement of additional LASSO units, reflecting a significant investment in expanding the Army's unmanned strike capabilities. Funding was realigned from the Long Range Precision Munition program to the Launched Effects Family portfolio in support of Agile Portfolio Management, demonstrating the Army's commitment to rapidly fielding innovative technologies in response to evolving operational requirements.

The Family of Low Altitude Unmanned Systems line item supports not only active combat operations but also homeland defense, domestic emergency response, and military support to civil authorities, as mandated by Section 1815 of the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act. This ensures that the capabilities developed under this program are available for a wide range of missions, including those conducted by both active and reserve components of the Armed Forces.

The goals and objectives of this budget line are to procure and field advanced unmanned aerial systems that provide IBCTs with enhanced stand-off, precision strike, and flexible engagement options. By prioritizing modularity, portability, and operational adaptability, the program seeks to address current capability gaps and ensure that Army units are equipped to meet the demands of modern and future battlefields.