Missile/Air Defense Product Improvement Program

The Missile/Air Defense Product Improvement Program (PE 0203801A) is a Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative managed by the U.S. Army. Its primary focus is on enhancing the capabilities and extending the service life of the Avenger air defense system. The program aims to ensure that the Avenger platform remains effective against evolving aerial threats, including unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), cruise missiles, and both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. The FY 2026 budget request supports continued system testing and targeted improvements, reflecting a strategic commitment to maintaining operational readiness and technological relevance within the Army's air and missile defense portfolio.

The central line item under this program element is dedicated to the modernization and sustainment of the Avenger fleet. The Avenger system, mounted on a High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), employs up to eight Stinger missiles and a .50 caliber M3P machine gun, providing mobile, day/night, and adverse weather air defense. Objectives include upgrading hardware and software, integrating new components, and conducting rigorous testing to validate enhancements. These efforts address obsolescence issues, improve target detection and engagement speed, and ensure compatibility with emerging technologies and threat profiles.

A key subcomponent focuses on the replacement and upgrade of critical system elements that are at risk of obsolescence. Activities include the development and integration of the Targeting Console (TC), Avenger Fire Control Computer (AFCC), Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), Vehicle Internal Communications (VIC-5), the M3P machine gun, and Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (A-PNT) capability. These upgrades are fielded across the Avenger fleet, with certain components specifically installed on systems equipped with digital Slew-to-Cue (STC) capability. This ensures that the Avenger remains viable and sustainable through the end of its economic useful life.

Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (A-PNT) is a specialized effort aimed at providing the Avenger system with robust, anti-jam navigation and timing capabilities. This includes the integration of the Anti-Jam Antenna and the Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR) Distributed Device (D3), which enable M-Code functionality for enhanced resilience against electronic warfare and GPS spoofing. Development, prototyping, and testing of A-PNT technologies are performed through a combination of government and contractor efforts, with modifications executed by Depot Maintenance teams. The A-PNT initiative is critical for maintaining operational effectiveness in contested environments.

Test and evaluation activities are essential to the program's objectives, ensuring that all modifications and upgrades meet performance standards and are suitable for field deployment. Testing is conducted by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missiles Center, The Boeing Company, and other partners at facilities such as Huntsville, AL and Redstone Arsenal, AL. These evaluations include technical assessments, concept studies, risk reduction, and documentation to support acquisition and integration decisions. The program's acquisition strategy leverages both government and original equipment manufacturer expertise to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.

A related procurement line funds the acquisition and installation of upgraded components, further supporting the Army's Air and Missile Defense Modernization strategy. This line ensures that the necessary upgrades are available for fielding and sustainment, complementing the RDT&E activities under the broader program element. The integration of these components across the Avenger fleet is managed to minimize operational disruptions and maximize system availability.