Missile Warning System Modernization (MWSM)

The Missile Warning System Modernization (MWSM) program is a key Army research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) effort aimed at advancing aircraft survivability equipment for both current and future Army aviation platforms. The primary objective of this program is to develop and integrate improved threat detection and warning systems, ensuring that Army aircraft can effectively detect, classify, and respond to a broad range of modern and emerging threats in increasingly complex operational environments.

Within the MWSM program, the Advanced Threat Detection System (ATDS) line item was funded in FY 2024 to support the development of next-generation threat detection capabilities. The ATDS focused on enhancing the Army's ability to identify and respond to threats such as Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) guided Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs), ballistic munitions, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and laser-based threats. The goal was to provide a comprehensive detection and warning suite that could seamlessly integrate with countermeasure systems and improve overall aircraft survivability.

The funding for ATDS in FY 2024 was primarily directed toward product development and management services, supporting activities such as design maturation, demonstration testing, architecture concept development, prototype application hosting, sensor characterization and flight testing, digital simulation modeling, and technical readiness assessments. These efforts were intended to mature the technology and demonstrate its effectiveness through a competitive Other Transaction Authority (OTA) process, which allowed for rapid prototyping and streamlined acquisition.

The Improved Threat Detection System (ITDS) represents the next phase of the Army's threat detection modernization, with funding and program emphasis transitioning from ATDS to ITDS in FY 2025. The ITDS is designed to detect, classify, cue, and declare on a wide array of threats, providing missile threat handoff to the appropriate countermeasure systems, such as the Common Infrared Countermeasure (CIRCM) or expendable countermeasures. The system will also explore enhancements to expendable countermeasures and incorporate a modular open systems architecture to facilitate integration across multiple platforms, including the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA).

Key objectives of the ITDS include supporting the Army's System of Systems approach, enabling agnostic detect-and-defeat capabilities, integrating with the FLRAA digital backbone, and improving coverage against evolving threats. Additional attributes include geo-location of threats, support for degraded visual environments and navigation, multiple threat detection, and simultaneous warning declarations.

These enhancements are intended to provide Army aviation with robust protection in hostile and contested environments, including counter-UAS operations and support for multi-function sensor suites. The acquisition strategy for ITDS involves a phased OTA approach, with initial contracts awarded in July 2024. The first phase focuses on technology demonstration and maturation, leveraging lessons learned from industry demonstration events and government assessments.

The Army will evaluate vendor solutions and technical maturity during this phase to determine whether the program should transition to a Major Capability Acquisition or rapid prototyping effort in the FY 2026 timeframe. The OTA structure allows for vendor down-selects and integration with additional platforms, supporting rapid acquisition and fielding of advanced capabilities.