Maneuver - Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD)

The Maneuver - Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 0604117A, is a key component of the Army's Air and Missile Defense Modernization Priority. The overarching goal of the M-SHORAD program is to provide mobile, layered air defense protection to maneuvering Army forces against a range of aerial threats, including rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and rockets, artillery, and mortars (RAM). The program follows a multi-phase, Family of Systems (FoS) approach, with successive increments designed to rapidly field, enhance, and ultimately transform short-range air defense capabilities for Army units.

FI4: Maneuver - Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) / SGT STOUT focuses on the initial fielding and continued improvement of the SGT STOUT system, which integrates a mix of ground-to-air missile launchers, sensors, and a gun onto a Stryker A1 Double-V Hull Infantry Carrier Vehicle. The primary objective is to provide maneuver formations with improved defenses against low-altitude air threats, especially UAS, rotary-wing, and fixed-wing aircraft. Funding supports ongoing product improvements, software upgrades, and regression/integration testing in response to operational lessons learned and evolving threats. The program also supports the procurement and fielding of additional SGT STOUT systems, with a focus on maintaining mobility and survivability for Army units.

CR9: Directed Energy M-SHORAD / M-SHORAD Inc 2 is dedicated to integrating high energy laser (HEL) technology onto tactical platforms, specifically Stryker vehicles, to provide a directed energy air defense capability. The goal is to defeat rotary-wing aircraft, Groups 1-3 UAS, RAM, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) threats. The Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) leads the development and prototyping of laser weapon systems, with funds supporting continued prototype design, engineering, system integration, and testing. The program aims to inform the transition to enduring directed energy solutions, with a focus on lethality, affordability, and open interface standards for future acquisition. Additional funding supports enhancements such as modular, palletized, and maneuverable directed energy capabilities.

CS1: M-SHORAD Inc 3 represents the next major advancement in the program, centered on the development and integration of the Next Generation Short Range Interceptor (NGSRI) to replace the legacy Stinger missile. The NGSRI is designed to offer improved targeting, greater lethality, and extended range, thereby enhancing protection for maneuver formations. Funding supports the prototyping, developmental testing, and integration of the NGSRI and the new 30mm Multi-Mode Proximity Airburst (MMPA) ammunition onto the SGT STOUT platform. The program also aims to provide a soldier-portable air defense capability, supporting both mounted and dismounted operations. The acquisition strategy leverages rapid prototyping pathways and competitive vendor selection, with a planned transition to full-rate production following operational assessments.

Each increment of the M-SHORAD program is managed by specialized Army offices. The SGT STOUT and NGSRI efforts are overseen by Project Managers for Maneuver Ammunition Systems (MAS) and Short and Intermediate Effectors for Layered Defense (SHIELD), while the directed energy initiatives are led by the RCCTO in collaboration with the Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space (PEO MS). The program employs a combination of Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contracts, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) contracts, and Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts to expedite development, integration, and fielding.

The justification for continued investment in M-SHORAD is based on the evolving and increasingly sophisticated aerial threat environment, particularly the proliferation of UAS and precision-guided munitions by near-peer adversaries. The program's objectives are to close capability gaps in short-range air defense, ensure force survivability and freedom of maneuver, and maintain overmatch against emerging threats. The budget request reflects a balance between ongoing development, prototype procurement, and the pursuit of cost efficiencies in line with Executive Order 14222 on government efficiency.