Landmine Warfare and Barrier - Adv Dev

The PE 0603619A: Landmine Warfare and Barrier - Advanced Development program is a key Army Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing technologies for landmine warfare and battlefield barriers. The program is structured under Budget Activity 4: Advanced Component Development & Prototypes (ACD&P) and aims to address capability gaps in breaching enemy obstacles and shaping terrain to support Multi-Domain Operations (MDO). The program supports both breaching and area denial technology development efforts.

CE5: Breaching Capability Development - Mounted is a major line item within PE 0603619A. The primary objective is to replace the legacy M58 Mine Clearing Line Charge (MICLIC) system, which is increasingly ineffective against modern threats. The focus is on the development of the XM123 Ground Obstacle Breaching Lane Neutralizer (GOBLN), a modular payload designed for integration with ground robotic vehicles and future platforms. GOBLN is intended to provide enhanced effectiveness, reliability, supportability, mobility, and survivability for combat engineers.

Funding supports continued Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (TMRR), including a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 prototype demonstration and soldier touchpoints to validate operational concepts. The GOBLN program is managed in collaboration with Transformation In Contact (TIC) units and is endorsed by the Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) Cross Functional Team (CFT). The acquisition strategy includes competitive prototyping, subsystem contract awards, and engineering support, with a planned transition to Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) in a future fiscal year. Additional funding has been provided for autonomous detection, classification, and geo-location of landmines, supporting the development of advanced detection and precision neutralization capabilities.

EK7: Area Denial Capability Development is the second major line item. This project is focused on developing advanced Terrain Shaping systems that comply with U.S. Anti-Personnel Landmine Policy. The goal is to disrupt, fix, turn, and block enemy maneuver while enhancing friendly maneuver within the battlespace. Terrain Shaping systems are intended to replace aging Family of Scatterable Mines (FASCAM) systems and provide maneuver commanders with greater control over battlefield engagements.

Funding supports prototyping, technology integration, and demonstration events to inform Army Futures Command (AFC) requirements and accelerate solution development. The Terrain Shaping Capability effort includes the XM204 Interim Top Attack program, which is entering production with Initial Operational Capability (IOC) projected for the first quarter of the fiscal year to meet U.S. Army Europe operational needs. The Army is also developing an enduring solution to fill directed obstacle capability gaps, with funding supporting research into complex obstacles employing modernized, semi-autonomous and autonomous bottom attack capabilities.

The program leverages open system and modular architecture to facilitate future upgrades, maintenance, and integration with emerging requirements such as ground robotic vehicles. The acquisition strategy for Area Denial Capability Development involves rapid prototyping and evaluation of mature industry technologies, with an emphasis on open architecture for adaptability and continuous improvement. Multiple prototyping contract awards are planned to broaden technology participation and inform Acquisition Shaping Panel decision points.

The program also includes support for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) activities, promoting innovation and technology transition from the private sector. PE 0603619A: Landmine Warfare and Barrier - Advanced Development is designed to modernize the Army's breaching and area denial capabilities to meet the demands of future multi-domain operations. The program supports the development, demonstration, and integration of new technologies to enhance operational effectiveness, comply with policy directives, and ensure the Army's ability to shape and control the battlefield environment.