Marine Corps Ground Combat/Support System

The Marine Corps Ground Combat/Support Systems (PE 0603635M) program element supports the advanced development and prototyping of ground and supporting arms systems for the Marine Air-Ground Expeditionary Force, with a focus on amphibious operations. The overarching goal is to demonstrate and validate new hardware and integrated systems that enhance the operational capabilities of Marine Corps units in contested environments. This program is funded under the Advanced Component Development & Prototypes (ACD&P) budget activity, which emphasizes experimental testing and integration of advanced technologies for future fielding.

The Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) is the largest line item within PE 0603635M, with a primary objective to deliver a purpose-built, highly mobile combat vehicle system capable of reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. The ARV program is transitioning from competitive prototyping to Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) in FY 2026, with contracts awarded to two vendors for the design and production of production representative test vehicles across multiple mission role variants, including ARV-30mm, C4UAS, and Logistics. The ARV is intended to augment sensor webs and kill chains in littoral environments, leveraging advanced communications, sensors, and modular mission packages. Key activities include subsystem risk reduction, preliminary design reviews, integration of government-furnished equipment, and extensive developmental testing.

SMAW Follow-On supports the Family of Anti-Armor Weapon Systems (FOAAWS), focusing on the Multi-purpose Anti-Armor Weapon System (MAAWS) M3A1. The program aims to provide Marine units with a portable, shoulder-fired weapon offering anti-armor, anti-personnel, and anti-material capabilities. Objectives include sustaining and modernizing the MAAWS system, mitigating obsolescence, extending service life, and qualifying new ammunition types. FY 2026 efforts center on continued testing of technology refreshes and the development of training aids to reduce blast overpressure and impulse noise impacts on Marines, with a focus on both operational effectiveness and safety.

The Family of Expeditionary Fuel Systems (FEFS) is designed to provide versatile, land and littoral-based fuel support for Marine Corps operations. The main goal is to develop and mature the Low Profile Distribution System (LPDS), which includes receiving, testing, storage, and dispensing of fuel in expeditionary environments. FY 2025 activities included full-scale autonomy and integration testing for the LPDS, as well as development of sub-components and certification processes. The decrease in FY 2026 funding reflects the improved technology readiness level of the LPDS, indicating successful maturation and transition of the system.

The Multiple-Launch Rocket System Family of Munitions (MFOM) focuses on developing a modular launcher unit (MLU) for integration with the ROGUE-Fires carrier, enabling Marine artillery units to employ a range of munitions similar to the Army's HIMARS platform. The program's objectives include the design, development, and testing of the MLU and its Remote Gunner Station, with a focus on operational flexibility and system commonality. FY 2026 plans involve completing one-to-one radio-controlled operations, initiating one-to-three operations, purchasing test assets and munitions, and conducting developmental testing for transportability, environmental resilience, and electromagnetic compatibility.

Combat Capability Development Transition encompasses several advanced technology initiatives, most notably the Long Range Unmanned Surface Vessel (LRUSV). The LRUSV program aims to enhance maritime domain awareness and reconnaissance capabilities through semi-autonomous platforms equipped with multi-domain sensors. FY 2026 objectives include completing sensor and autonomy enhancements, continuing manned-unmanned teaming integration, and conducting facilities studies for smaller vessel prototypes. Other initiatives under this line include Explosive Hazard Defeat Systems, focusing on ground penetrating radar integration, and the Expeditionary Energy Office, which completed the Next Generation Medium Tactical Truck prototype to improve energy efficiency and operational range.

PE 0603635M is structured to address critical capability gaps in ground combat, support systems, and expeditionary logistics for the Marine Corps. The program leverages partnerships with agencies such as the Office of Naval Research, Army Aviation & Missile Center, and Naval Surface Warfare Centers to advance technology readiness and integration. The FY 2026 budget reflects a strategic shift toward engineering development, system integration, and transition to fielding, with a continued emphasis on modularity, operational flexibility, and survivability in future operating environments.