HADES PLATFORM, PAYLOADS/PED, AND INTEGRATION

The HADES PLATFORM, PAYLOADS/PED, AND INTEGRATION program is a new Army initiative beginning in Fiscal Year 2026, focused on advancing aerial intelligence capabilities for Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). The program is part of the Aircraft Procurement, Army appropriation, specifically supporting fixed-wing aircraft modernization under the Army's transformation and deep sensing priorities. Its primary objective is to deliver the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES), which is the first program within the Multi Domain Sensing System (MDSS) family of systems. HADES aims to enhance the Army's ability to conduct deep sensing across all phases of operations, particularly against peer and near-peer adversaries.

The goals of the HADES program center on providing highly mobile, long-endurance aerial platforms equipped with advanced sensor payloads. These platforms are designed to collect and exploit Communications Intelligence (COMINT), Electronics Intelligence (ELINT), and Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator (SAR/MTI) data. By integrating these sensing capabilities, HADES supports the Army's layered approach to Aerial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (A-ISR), enabling more effective detection, tracking, and targeting of threats across complex operational environments.

Within this budget line, the HADES PAYLOADS AND PED subprogram is specifically funded for procurement and support of sensor payloads, as well as program management activities. Funding is allocated to acquire and integrate these sensor payloads onto the HADES platform. The payloads are critical for enabling the collection and processing, exploitation, and dissemination (PED) of intelligence data, which is essential for supporting long-range precision fires and deep sensing missions.

The program's objectives are justified by validated requirements from multiple oversight bodies. The Commanding General of Army Futures Command approved the HADES Abbreviated Capabilities Development Document (A-CDD) in September 2020. The Army Requirements Oversight Council (AROC) and Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) have also validated the MDSS Initial Capabilities Document (ICD). These approvals confirm the necessity of HADES to address emerging threats and operational needs in future battlefields.

Funding in this line item supports both hardware procurement and contractor program management. Resources are dedicated to recurring hardware costs for sensor payloads, while additional funding is allocated for contractor management and program support. This structure ensures that both the technical components and the necessary oversight are in place to successfully field and sustain the HADES capability.

As a new start program, HADES is expected to play a foundational role in the Army's broader MDSS family, contributing to the modernization of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets. The program is designed to be scalable and adaptable, allowing for future integration of additional sensing technologies as operational requirements evolve. The initial investment in FY 2026 lays the groundwork for subsequent procurement and development activities in future years.