Marine Group 5 UAS Series

The Marine Group 5 UAS Series program is a Navy budget line item focused on the modification and enhancement of the MQ-9A Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aircraft systems for the United States Marine Corps (USMC). The program originated from the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Unmanned Aircraft System Expeditionary (MUX) initiative, aiming to meet capability requirements identified in the 2016 MUX Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) and support USMC Force Design objectives. The overarching goal is to enable persistent, long-range, stand-off multi-sensor reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeting, as well as airborne network extension and data relay for Command, Control, and Communications (C3) to MAGTF Stand-In Forces, such as the Marine Littoral Regiment. These enhancements are intended to improve multi-domain awareness, survivability, and operational effectiveness in contested environments.

Detect And Avoid System (DAAS) modifications are a central objective of this line item. The DAAS provides sensor packages for due-regard flight operations in both the USINDOPACOM Area of Responsibility and domestic airspace, meeting Sense and Avoid/Due Regard Alternative Means of Compliance requirements. The DAAS includes Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar, upgraded Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponders, Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS), and associated processors and wiring. Ground Control Station (GCS) upgrades, such as server and rack packages, are also funded to enable full DAAS capability. These modifications are designed to enhance safety, reliability, and autonomous operation of the MQ-9A fleet.

Airborne Network Extension (ANE) / SkyTower II is another major focus, with funding allocated for both aircraft and ground control station integration. The ANE/SkyTower II provides persistent airborne network extension across multiple waveforms, enabling robust communication and data dissemination within the area of operations. Funding supports research, development, testing, evaluation, and procurement of prototype units. These capabilities are critical for extending the tactical edge of automation and ensuring reliable C3 connectivity for expeditionary, joint, and combined operations.

Electronic Warfare (EW) Sensor Kits are being procured and integrated to provide electronic surveillance, geolocation, emitter identification, and data recording capabilities. The EW kit consists of three subsystems: the EW Pod, Smart Sensor, and Processing Exploitation and Dissemination (PED) workstation. These upgrades are intended to enable both passive and active sensing, improve mission capability, and support the dissemination of operational data to command centers. The Smart Sensor subsystem, supported by high-performance computing, provides autonomy for full-motion video (FMV) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors, fusing information and enabling real-time decision-making at the tactical edge.

Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) Connectivity enhancements are funded to ensure resilient, global command and control and data dissemination. PLEO kits include antennas and wiring for both aircraft and ground stations, supporting connectivity with emerging satellite networks. This capability is crucial for maintaining secure and reliable communications in denied or degraded environments, aligning with broader Department of Defense goals for resilient communications infrastructure.

Additional Modifications and Support Elements include upgrades such as Auto Takeoff and Landing capability, Radar Altimeter systems, GPS Dual Band Anti-Jam antennas, DuraNET IP connection switching, and Centerline Avionics Bay (CAB) integration. These modifications address safety, reliability, obsolescence, and maintainability concerns, while also supporting the integration of new mission systems and payloads. Funding also covers engineering change proposals to address diminishing manufacturing sources and non-recurring engineering, as well as data, training, support equipment, and logistics support contracts to ensure seamless fielding and sustainment of new capabilities.