Manned ISR

The LI 0201MANISR MANNED ISR program, managed by United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), is a procurement line item within the Department of Defense budget that supports the acquisition and modification of manned Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms. The primary objective of this program is to provide specialized ISR capabilities tailored to the operational requirements of special operations forces, particularly in support of irregular warfare and dynamic mission environments.

The goals of the Manned ISR line item focus on enhancing the effectiveness of crewed ISR aircraft through Special Operations-peculiar (SO-p) modifications and rapid fielding initiatives. These modifications include the integration of advanced avionics, sensor systems, communication suites, and common datalink systems, all designed to improve the platforms' ability to collect and disseminate critical intelligence. The program also funds sensor maintenance, SO-p support equipment, and mission training devices, ensuring that both the aircraft and their crews are prepared for a wide range of operational scenarios.

Within this line item, the Manned Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Hardware subcomponent is divided into two primary categories: Low Cost Modifications (Enduring OOC) and Prior Years Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO). The Low Cost Modifications category focuses on incremental upgrades and enhancements to existing ISR platforms, enabling USSOCOM to adapt quickly to emerging threats and operational needs without the lengthy timelines associated with major system overhauls. This approach allows for the rapid integration of new technologies and capabilities as they become available.

The Prior Years Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding reflects investments made in previous fiscal years to support urgent operational requirements in deployed environments. These funds were used to accelerate the procurement and modification of ISR assets, ensuring that special operations forces had timely access to the intelligence capabilities necessary for mission success in high-risk theaters. The OCO funding also supported sustainment and readiness activities for these platforms during periods of heightened operational demand.

The program's mission emphasis includes signals intelligence (SIGINT), imagery intelligence, target acquisition, threat warning, threat identification, and persistent surveillance. By investing in these areas, USSOCOM aims to maintain a technological edge in intelligence collection and analysis, directly supporting the situational awareness and decision-making capabilities of deployed special operations units. The program also includes funding for training, trainers, and mission training devices to ensure that personnel are proficient in the use of upgraded systems and can maximize their operational effectiveness.

Funding for the LI 0201MANISR MANNED ISR line item is scheduled to end in FY 2025, as USSOCOM completes its planned divestment of the SOCOM Tactical Airborne Multi-Sensor Platform. This transition reflects a broader shift in operational priorities and the evolving nature of ISR requirements within the special operations community. The drawdown of funding in FY 2025 and the absence of a budget request for FY 2026 and beyond indicate that USSOCOM is moving toward alternative ISR solutions or platforms to meet future mission needs.