Future UAS Family

The Future UAS Family program, as outlined in Army budget line item 9672A00510, is a critical procurement initiative under the Aircraft Procurement, Army appropriation. Its primary objective is to develop and field a new generation of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) that support multi-domain operations (MDO) across all echelons, from platoon-level Soldiers to Division Commanders. The program is designed to enable ground-based forces to project power into other domains, defeat highly capable adversaries, secure terrain, and consolidate gains. The Army Requirements Oversight Council (AROC) approved the Initial Capabilities Document for this effort in March 2019, underscoring its importance to future combat operations.

A central component of the Future UAS Family is the Future Tactical Uncrewed Aircraft System (FTUAS). The FTUAS is intended to provide Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) with transformational reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) capabilities. Its design emphasizes runway independence, expeditionary vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), and on-the-move (OTM) command and control. These features are aimed at enhancing operational flexibility and survivability in contested environments.

The FTUAS also incorporates assured position, navigation, and timing (APNT) solutions, Type-1 encrypted datalinks, and a modular open systems approach (MOSA) to facilitate rapid technology upgrades. The system is structured to reduce operational and support costs by enabling organic sustainment. Soldiers are trained to perform field-level maintenance, reducing reliance on contractor field service representatives. This approach is expected to improve readiness and reduce lifecycle costs.

Each FTUAS system consists of six air vehicles with payloads, six control stations, and ancillary equipment, including ground support and command and control assets. The system's modularity and expeditionary design support rapid deployment and adaptive operations in diverse operational environments.

Another key element within the Future UAS Family is the Launched Effects (LE) initiative. LE is focused on extending the speed, range, lethality, and survivability of maneuver formations by integrating air vehicles, mission systems, payloads, and advanced behaviors. The goal is to enable Army formations to penetrate and disrupt enemy Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2AD) environments, thereby extending the operational reach and effectiveness of maneuver forces. The requirements for LE are based on an AROC-approved Abbreviated Capability Development Document (A-CDD), which was validated in July 2024.

The justification for the Future UAS Family line item centers on the need to modernize Army aviation assets to meet emerging threats and operational requirements. The program supports the Army's shift toward multi-domain operations, where uncrewed systems play a vital role in intelligence gathering, targeting, and force protection. The adoption of a modular open systems architecture ensures that these platforms can be upgraded as technology evolves, maintaining their relevance against adaptive adversaries.

In terms of resource allocation, the FY 2025 budget includes procurement of 47 units. The FY 2026 funding for this program was transferred to a new budget activity to support Agile Portfolio Management, reflecting a shift in management approach to better align with evolving acquisition strategies and requirements. This transfer is intended to streamline development and fielding processes, ensuring timely delivery of capabilities to the force.