GCSS-MC

The Fire Support System (FSS) line item in the FY 2026 Department of Defense budget for the Navy/Marine Corps is designed to provide the Marine Corps with advanced operational and logistics capabilities in artillery weapons, fire direction, loitering munitions, and targeting systems. The overarching goal is to create a fully networked sensor-to-shooter kill chain for the USMC Ground Combat Element, enhancing the effectiveness, responsiveness, and survivability of Marine fire support units. The request supports procurement and modernization across several key subsystems.

The Common Laser Range Finder (CLRF) Integrated Capability and Next Generation Handheld Targeting System (NGHTS) are aimed at providing lightweight, man-portable targeting systems. These systems consolidate the functions of legacy devices into a single handheld solution, reducing weight and power requirements by more than 50%. The request continues procurement of NGHTS units, supporting both active and reserve components. NGHTS integrates designation, range, and laser spot imaging capabilities, and ongoing efforts include M-code integration to enhance secure GPS functionality.

Fire Support Mod Line (FSML) supports joint and Marine Corps-specific efforts to improve artillery weapons, fire direction control, and targeting/ISR systems. Funding continues procurement of the Location Azimuth Determining System (LADS), a lightweight field artillery survey system that enables accurate fires in GPS-degraded or denied environments. LADS is being fielded to both active and reserve units, with a slight reduction in hardware procurement compared to the previous fiscal year.

Family of Target Acquisition System (FTAS) provides the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) with capabilities to locate, identify, and attack enemy indirect fire weapons, as well as observe and direct friendly artillery fire. Funding is dedicated to procuring engineering change proposal modification kits to address Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) issues. FTAS includes systems such as counterfire radars and lightweight counter-mortar radars, supporting both active and reserve components.

Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) Family of Systems integrates all supporting arms assets within the MAGTF, automating fire planning, tactical and technical fire direction, and fire support coordination. The request supports procurement and fielding of Mobile Command Vehicle shelters, which house AFATDS and other fire support systems. These shelters enhance command, control, and communications capabilities, enabling rapid emplacement and displacement for fire support units.

Target Hand-Off System (THS) is a lightweight, handheld, digital target acquisition and engagement coordination system. Funding covers procurement of PRC-167 cables, replacement of end-user devices and associated cables, and protective cases to replace cyber-vulnerable equipment. THS is interoperable with all video downlink and fire support platforms, supporting precise and rapid indirect fire, naval surface fire support, and close air support missions.

Organic Precision Fires (OPF) is a modernization priority for the Marine Corps, providing organic, loitering, beyond-line-of-sight precision strike capabilities to multiple echelons of the Fleet Marine Force. The request transitions the program to procurement following successful testing. Funds will procure live-fire OPF-Light munitions, inert rounds for training, and ancillary equipment for fielding to four battalions. The program leverages multiple vendor solutions to provide layered capabilities and mitigate production and supply chain risks.