FUTURE UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS) FAMILY

The Future Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Family program is a key component of the Army's transformation initiative, as detailed in budget line item 8000I48000. The primary goal of this program is to accelerate the procurement and fielding of advanced unmanned aerial systems that enhance the Army's ability to conduct multi-domain operations (MDO). The program is managed under the Department of Defense's Agile Portfolio Management approach, which emphasizes rapid innovation and adaptability to technological change. Funding for this line item is a realignment from several existing UAS-related programs to streamline and modernize Army UAS capabilities.

The Future Unmanned Aerial System (FUAS) is designed to provide Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) with a runway-independent, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) platform capable of expeditionary reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA). The system integrates multiple sensors, communications, lethality, and electromagnetic warfare capabilities. FUAS supports Human Machine Integrated Formations (HMIF), allowing for rapid learning, requirement refinement, and solution development based on direct soldier feedback. The modular payload design enables quick upgrades in communications, encryption, and lethality, ensuring the system remains relevant as technology evolves.

Within this line item, the Air Launched Effects (LE) subprogram is a significant focus. LE provides Army formations with both lethal and nonlethal capabilities to extend their reach, protection, and lethality in joint all-domain operations. These effects are delivered through teaming and swarming unmanned systems that can detect, decoy, jam enemy radar and communications, conduct cyber-attacks, spoof and jam GPS, and deliver kinetic strikes. The LE subprogram is based on requirements approved by the Army Requirements Oversight Council (AROC) and is intended to create multiple dilemmas for adversaries by integrating seamlessly into joint attack, reconnaissance, and security operations.

The Common Sensor Payload (CSP) FMV subprogram supports the procurement of advanced sensor suites for unmanned aircraft systems, particularly the MQ-1C Gray Eagle platform. The CSP provides high-definition electro-optical/infrared/laser designator (EO/IR/LD) capabilities for day and night operations, enabling detection, classification, and targeting of threats. The latest version, CSP v3, includes Target Location Accuracy (TLA) enhancements for near-real-time engagement with coordinate-seeking weapons, as well as electronics intelligence (ELINT) and electronic support measures (ESM) for 360-degree situational awareness. CSP is essential for providing actionable intelligence and precision targeting to battlefield commanders.

Funding for the Future Unmanned Aerial Systems Family in FY 2026 supports Air Launched Effects and Common Sensor Payload FMV, including procurement of multiple units. The procurement strategy includes both recurring and non-recurring costs, such as system integration, manufacturing, program management, and platform integration. The CSP v3 production contract is awarded to a defense contractor in Texas, with deliveries scheduled to begin in August 2028.

This budget line supports the Army's broader objectives of maintaining technological superiority and operational flexibility. By consolidating funding from multiple legacy UAS programs, the Army aims to reduce redundancy and accelerate the deployment of next-generation unmanned systems. The program also supports homeland defense, domestic emergency response, and military support to civil authorities, as required by the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act.