Intel Cyber Development

The Intel Cyber Development program, identified as Program Element (PE) 0607150A within the Army's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, is designed to advance the Army's capabilities in Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), Electronic Warfare (EW), and Cyberspace Operations. The primary goal of this program is to provide rapid and cutting-edge technology solutions that enable Army commanders to gain a decisive advantage over emerging and evolving threats across multiple domains. This program supports the overarching mission command and helps accelerate the decision cycle, in alignment with the Department of Defense (DoD) Cyber Strategy and the Army Operating Concept.

The main project under this program element focuses on the continuous and iterative development of SIGINT/EW/Cyberspace capabilities. Managed by the Army's Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), the project responds to urgent operational requirements from Theater Army Commands and Combatant Commands. When INSCOM cannot meet delivery timelines, it coordinates with ARCYBER and Product Manager for Information Warfare (PdM-IW) to ensure effective solutions are developed. The tools and mission applications produced serve as critical resources for operational units, enabling persistent engagement and rapid adaptation to threat environments.

A key objective of the program is the development of offensive cyberspace operations capabilities. These technologies are intended to collect, process, exploit, and, when directed, degrade, deny, disrupt, or destroy adversary command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) systems. The program directly supports missions outlined in the National Defense Strategy, National Security Strategy, Defense Cyber Strategy, and several Presidential directives. The focus is on maintaining technological parity or superiority against near-peer adversaries, particularly within the electromagnetic spectrum, by advancing both electronic support and electronic attack sub-domains.

Planned activities for FY 2025 and FY 2026 include expanding focal points for combatant commands based on emerging operational needs, as identified by the Secretary of the Army and service component commanders. The increasing sophistication of threat actors necessitates a rapid pace of development in offensive capabilities, with a particular emphasis on multi-domain operations that span SIGINT, EW, and cyberspace. The program aims to close development gaps and ensure the Army retains a critical advantage in contested environments.

The budget line for cyberspace operations capability development supports a range of activities, including the development of IP-based operations platforms, aerial and ground-based platforms, remote and close access capabilities, and advanced visualization tools. These efforts are scheduled to continue through 2029, with ongoing testing and evaluation to ensure operational effectiveness and adaptability. The modular and scalable nature of these platforms allows for tailored expeditionary operations, enhancing the Army's ability to respond to a wide spectrum of threats.

Justification for increased funding in FY 2026 centers on the need to address expanding multi-domain operations and the growing sophistication of adversaries. The program is structured to deliver low-density, high-demand technologies that are essential for intelligence collection and cyber operations. By investing in rapid capability development, the Army seeks to maintain its competitive edge and support national security objectives across all operational domains.